Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the suspected arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue as an act of terrorism, emphasizing its intent to instill fear within the community. Speaking at a press conference in Perth on Dec. 8, Mr. Albanese said, “The atrocities that occurred at the synagogue in Melbourne clearly were designed to create fear in the community and therefore, from my personal perspective, certainly fulfill that definition of terrorism.”
The Adass Israel synagogue blaze, which occurred on Dec. 6 and injured one person while causing extensive damage, has drawn sharp international criticism. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the incident was fueled by the “anti-Israel spirit” of Mr. Albanese’s center-left government, citing its support for a recent UN motion backing a Palestinian state.
In response, the Australian government defended its record on combating anti-Semitism. Since taking office in May 2022, Mr. Albanese’s administration has allocated A$25 million to enhance security at Jewish institutions, outlawed the Nazi salute, and enacted measures to curb hate speech and terror group symbols.
The arson attack comes amid a rise in both anti-Semitic and Islamophobic incidents in Australia following the Israel-Gaza war in October 2023. While dozens of pro-Palestinian protests over the past year have been largely peaceful, the government has voiced concerns about their potential to heighten community tensions.
Police are searching for two suspects linked to the fire, which has raised alarm over the state of community harmony and safety.