Several worshippers were forced to flee after fire erupted at an Australian synagogue, which the country’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called an “act of hate”. Firefighters were called to the Melbourne’s Adass Israel synagogue after 4:00 am (local time) on Friday. The building was fully ablaze and was in complete shambles before help arrived at the site.
Shortly after the incident, Albanese condemned the incident and referred to it as a “deliberate, unlawful attack”. The Australian premier made it clear that antisemitism has no place in the country. About 60 firefighters and 17 trucks controlled the fire in the building and the whole operation is still ongoing.
“I have zero tolerance for antisemitism. It has absolutely no place in Australia. This violence and intimidation and destruction at a place of worship is an outrage,” Albanese said, “unequivocally” condemning the attack. “This attack has risked lives and is clearly aimed at creating fear in the community,” he added.
‘Two thugs broke into the Synagogue’: Rabbi
In his statement, Albanese mentioned that counter-terror police were involved in the investigation. “There are two persons of interest who were there and [were] witnessed … using accelerant and then spreading it with a broom, clearly designed to maximise the damage that could occur,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann noted that “two thugs” broke into the Synagogue’s windows and threw fuel on the floor, setting it alight as people were preparing to pray early Friday morning, The Guardian reported. “It’s outrageous,” he told reporters at the scene.
“Tonight is the sabbath, we must all go and find a sense of calmness, camaraderie and community by gathering for the sabbath tonight and praying together as one community,” he added. Det Insp Chris Murray from the arson and explosive squad also confirmed that a witness, who had entered the synagogue for morning prayers, had seen two masked individuals inside. He noted that the police are still looking for the motive behind the attack.
Content retrieved from: https://www.firstpost.com/world/arson-attack-rocks-melbourne-synagogue-australian-pm-calls-it-delibrate-antisemitic-attack-13842101.html.
