Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned a deliberately lit fire at a Melbourne synagogue early today, saying there is no place for antisemitism in Australia.
The suspicious blaze broke out at the Adass Israel synagogue Glen Eira Avenue in Ripponlea about 4.10am and took 60 firefighters about an hour to bring under control.
It left the place of worship heavily damaged.
“I have zero tolerance for antisemitism. It has absolutely no place in Australia. This violence and intimidation and destruction at a place of worship is an outrage,” Albanese said in a statement
“This attack has risked lives and is clearly aimed at creating fear in the community.
“This deliberate, unlawful attack goes against everything we are as Australians and everything we have worked so hard to build as a nation.”
Albanese has been briefed on the fire by the Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police. He said the federal government was ready to give full assistance to Victorian investigators.
Police said no one was injured during the fire, but the synagogue sustained significant damage.
“A crime scene has been established, and the investigation remains ongoing.”
A board member of the synagogue told 9News he was deeply shocked by the arson attack.
“Didn’t think it would happen here in Melbourne to us,” he said.
“You know we’re a quiet community. We have our heads down. We don’t bother anybody. We wish everybody well.”
The fire started about two hours before daily early prayers were held at the synagogue, attended by about 200 to 300 worshippers.
Firefighters remain on the scene this morning and are checking for hotspots.
A community advice warning was issued for smoke in nearby suburbs.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dash cam/CCTV footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000