Benjamin Netanyahu condemns Melbourne synagogue arson as ‘vile antisemitic attack’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has demanded Anthony Albanese take stronger action against antisemitism after a series of “vile” attacks in Melbourne.

The East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation was targeted about 8pm Friday while about 20 worshippers were inside observing Shabbat.

Fortunately, those inside all escaped safely and firefighters contained the blaze to the entrance.

It came as protesters chanting “death to the IDF” stormed a restaurant in Melbourne’s CBD, terrifying diners as they threw food, smashed chairs against windows, and overturned tables.

“I view with utmost gravity the antisemitic attacks that occurred last night in Melbourne, which included attempted arson of a synagogue in the city and a violent assault against an Israeli restaurant by pro-Palestinian rioters,” Mr Netanyahu said in a statement.

“The reprehensible antisemitic attacks, with calls of ‘death to the IDF’ and an attempt to attack a place of worship, are severe hate crimes that must be uprooted.”

“The state of Israel will continue to stand alongside the Australian Jewish community, and we demand that the Australian government take all action to deal with the rioters to the fullest extent of the law and prevent similar attacks in the future.”

Police allege a 34-year-old man from Toongabbie, NSW, poured flammable liquid on the front doors and set them alight before fleeing.

He was arrested in Melbourne’s CBD on Saturday night and charged with reckless conduct endangering life, criminal damage by fire, and other offences. He will face court today.

Police are investigating whether the attack qualifies as a terrorism incident.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said there have been “too many antisemitic attacks in Australia” and urged the government to act. President Isaac Herzog described the attempted arson as “chilling,” warning: “This must be the last.”

Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke and Multicultural Affairs Minister Dr Anne Aly issued a joint statement condemning the attack, describing it as “disgusting and cowardly.”

“The fact it took place while people, including children, were having a Shabbat dinner inside makes it all the more abhorrent,” the statement read.

Mr Burke said he condemned the attack “in the strongest possible terms,” adding: “Australians have a right to feel safe and protected from violence and bigotry.”

Dr Aly said antisemitic acts violated the fundamental right to safety.

“All Australians have a right to safety. Acts of antisemitism violate that right and should face the full force of the law,” she said.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan called the act “disgraceful” and “abhorrent,” especially as it occurred during Shabbat.

Rabbi Dovid Gutnik said the outcome could have been far worse.

“There were children playing … it could have been a lot worse because those doors are wooden and there’s carpet,” he said.

“We were lucky the response was quick.”

Victoria Police are engaging with the local Jewish community and reviewing CCTV and forensic evidence. An arson chemist will examine the scene.