Anthony Albanese has condemned a suspicious fire at a Melbourne synagogue as a “deliberate, unlawful attack”, saying those responsible should “face the full force of the law”.
A large blaze engulfed the Adass Israel synagogue in Ripponleaa on Friday morning and is being treated as suspicious by police.
About 60 firefighters and 17 trucks were called to the synagogue at about 4.18am.
In a statement, the prime minister said he “unequivocally” condemned the attack.
“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.
“This attack has risked lives and is clearly aimed at creating fear in the community.”
Albanese said he’d been briefed by the Australian federal police commissioner about the incident, and offered commonwealth assistance to Victorian authorities.
“This deliberate, unlawful attack goes against everything we are as Australians and everything we have worked so hard to build as a nation,” he said.
Fire Rescue Victoria’s assistant chief fire officer Brayden Sinnamon said the building was “fully involved” in the fire and crews used breathing apparatus.
He said two people were evacuated with minor injuries but no other properties were damaged.
The fire has been deemed suspicious, with Victoria police launching an investigation.
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The federal education minister, Jason Clare, said it was “pretty clear” the fire had been started on purpose.
“This is a deliberate act of violence, an attack on a place of worship, and let’s call it out,” he told 7 News’ Sunrise program.
“This is the absolute opposite of what Australia is all about.”
Liberal frontbencher Sussan Ley said the incident was “very, very concerning”, adding: “It makes me feel quite sick to the stomach.
“I feel for the Jewish community today waking up to this news.”
Police have asked anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward with information or dashcam/CCTV footage.