Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed his unwavering commitment to addressing antisemitic violence after an arson attack targeted a synagogue in Melbourne, raising concerns about community safety.
Australian PM Commits to Legal Action After Arson at Melbourne Synagogue
Australian PM Commits to Legal Action After Arson at Melbourne Synagogue
Prime Minister pledges action against rising antisemitism following disturbing synagogue attack.
In a swift response to an arson incident at a Melbourne synagogue on Friday evening, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has vowed to deploy the "full force of law" against those responsible. Eyewitnesses reported that while approximately 20 individuals were dining inside, a man poured an accelerant on the front door and ignited it, necessitating immediate evacuation without injuries. Authorities are on the hunt for the suspect, and they are also investigating a suspected link between this incident and a violent outburst at a nearby Jewish-owned restaurant occurring the same night.
The attacks come amid escalating antisemitism across Australia, significantly fueled by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. In response, the government recently designated a special envoy to address antisemitism and enacted new, stringent hate crime legislation amid a surge in high-profile incidents. “Antisemitism has no place in Australia,” Albanese stated, emphasizing the need for accountability among perpetrators of hate crimes.
The East Melbourne synagogue attack coincided with disturbances at Miznon restaurant, where rioters reportedly stormed in, throwing chairs and chanting inflammatory slogans against the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). "These events represent a dangerous escalation towards our community," remarked Alex Ryvchin, co-leader of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry.
Israeli officials have echoed concerns regarding the frequency of antisemitic incidents in Australia, urging the government to intensify efforts to combat this growing issue. The current geopolitical tensions have triggered protests from both Jewish and Muslim communities, resulting in a notable rise in xenophobia. The ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza, prompted by a significant attack on October 7, 2023, have left over 57,000 individuals dead in Gaza alone, according to local health authorities.
