A synagogue, a place of worship for Jews, has been set on fire by miscreants in Australia. The incident took place on Friday night in Melbourne. Both Australian and Israeli authorities have confirmed the attack, according to The Times of Israel.
Police reported that an arson attack occurred at a synagogue in Melbourne. Australian authorities condemned the incident and expressed their commitment to take action against the perpetrators.
This is the latest in a series of incidents targeting the country’s Jewish community. On Friday night, someone set fire to the entrance of the synagogue. Police and firefighters arrived at the scene, extinguished the fire, and rescued 20 people inside. No casualties have been reported.
The attack follows several recent anti-Semitic incidents in Australia. Previously, arsonists attacked another synagogue in Melbourne about seven months ago, injuring one person and causing extensive damage.
Victoria’s Premier, Jacinta Allan, said, “A second Jewish synagogue has been attacked. This is absolutely horrific. Any attack on a place of worship is an act of hate. Any attack on a Jewish place of worship is an anti-Semitic act. We do not support this.”
Police believe the attack was carried out by a single male suspect who poured a flammable liquid on the synagogue’s main door and set it on fire. His identity is unknown, but he is believed to be white and in his 30s.
Police said, “There is no place for anti-Semitic or hate-based behavior in our society. The perpetrator must be brought to justice.”
