Anti-hate taskforce set up after anti-Semitic attacks

A new anti-hate taskforce charged with tackling the "bigger picture" of anti-Semitism will meet within days, as the hunt continues for those behind a spate of attacks that have shaken Australia's Jewish community.

At least four violent incidents in Melbourne are being treated as anti-Semitic attacks, including the firebombing of a synagogue on Friday night.

Angelo Loras, a 34-year-old man from Sydney's west, faced court on Sunday, accused of setting the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation's front doors alight while 20 people were inside.

Israeli restaurant Miznon was targeted by masked pro-Palestinian protesters shortly afterwards, with a window smashed, tables flipped and chairs thrown as the group chanted "death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)".

Hours later, a group spray-painted cars with anti-Semitic "inferences" and set them alight outside at a Greensborough business in the city's northeast.

CCTV footage released by police shows figures in black hooded jumpers lighting the fires, with detectives looking for five people who were last seen fleeing on e-bikes.

A fourth incident involved stencils used to spray paint offensive images on pillars and walls near a holocaust museum in Elsternwick.

The incidents have not been declared terrorist attacks, however, Victoria Police is working with counter terrorism officers to see if there are any links between the events.

A 28-year-old from Footscray was the only arrest made for allegedly hindering police at Miznon, but has since been released.

Police are still working on identifying other protesters involved.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan is expected to visit the synagogue on Monday, after revealing details of the anti-hate taskforce intended to "look at the bigger picture across our city and state".

Victoria Police, the state government and Lord Mayor of Melbourne Nicholas Reece will for the first time this week to examine police powers to stamp out extreme and violent protests.

"Hate doesn't belong in Victoria," Ms Allan said.

"We back our police, we're giving them more powers - and we won't rest until every Victorian feels safe to be who they are."

Ms Allan promised bans on protests outside places of worship and demonstrators wearing face coverings after a blaze destroyed two buildings at the Adass Israel Synagogue in the city's south in December.

However, the legislation is yet to be introduced to state parliament.

The attacks drew an international response, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanding action against the "rioters".

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke and former attorney-general Mark Dreyfus visited the East Melbourne synagogue on Sunday and described the firebombing as an "attack on Australia".

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said those responsible for the "shocking acts" must face the full force of the law, as the US Embassy in Australia praised the "swift response".

Federal opposition frontbencher Melissa McIntosh has called for the prime minister to convene an urgent meeting of national cabinet to deal with the issue.

But Victoria's opposition police spokesman David Southwick, who is Jewish, said there was no need for another "talkfest".

"The time for talk is over. We need action," the Caulfield MP said.

Former treasurer Josh Frydenberg, who presented a documentary on anti-Semitism in Australia following Hamas' October 7 terror attacks, called the wave of Melbourne incidents a "hate crime".

"Violent anti-Semitism is a threat to us all and until it's called out for what it really is, it will continue," he wrote on social media.