A fire that tore through the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne is being considered a likely terrorist attack, according to Australian police.
Authorities are searching for three suspects in connection with the early-morning blaze on Friday, which resulted in one man sustaining a minor burn to his hand and causing significant damage. Witnesses reported seeing masked individuals spreading what seemed to be an accelerant inside the building before setting it alight.
Victoria Police have stated that, while there is no evidence of imminent further antisemitic attacks, they are increasing patrols to provide reassurance to the community. Following a meeting with the Australian Federal Police and the domestic intelligence agency ASIO, state police announced that additional intelligence has led them to treat the incident as a probable terrorist attack.
Commissioner Shane Patton mentioned that there was no prior information indicating an arson attack was imminent before the fire occurred. He did not provide further details as the investigation is ongoing. Commissioner Patton’s statement came a day after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese characterised the incident as “quite clearly terrorism,” though he acknowledged that the police were still forming their conclusions. He described his statement as a “personal view.”
On Monday, state Premier Jacinta Allan noted that the terror designation would enable police to access additional resources for their investigation. Jewish community leaders have expressed their belief that the attack signifies an escalation of a recent increase in antisemitism in Australia, heightening fears of violence.
A few worshippers were inside the synagogue at the time of the fire and described hearing banging noises, seeing a window shatter, and then noticing liquids being thrown inside and ignited.
“The whole thing took off pretty quickly,” said synagogue board member Benjamin Klein, who spoke with witnesses, to The Age newspaper.
In response to confrontations with frightened and angry worshippers on Friday, Commissioner Patton stated, “We have… extra police officers deployed in those areas where there are high numbers of Jewish persons living and congregating.
On Monday, Prime Minister Albanese announced the formation of a new federal strike force to investigate antisemitic incidents. He emphasised the need for a special response to address the rising threat, referencing two other recent incidents: the vandalism of a Jewish MP’s office and an attack in Sydney where a car was set on fire and buildings were graffitied.
Frances Ibiefo
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