Two people suffered minor injuries Firebomb attack at Adass Israel Synagogue Friday morning in Ripponlea, Australia. About 60 firefighters and 17 trucks brought the fire under control at 4.18 am.
Rabbi Gaby Kaltman “Two thugs” broke the synagogue’s windows, poured fuel and set it on fire as people prepared for morning prayers. The devotees escaped the building, but two suffered minor injuries. “It’s offensive,” said Rabbi Kaltman.
Synagogue board member Benjamin Klein confirmed that flammable liquids were used. “They heard a banging at the door, and there came a window and some liquid by which it was lit. The whole thing took off very quickly and caught fire,” Klein explained. “One of the members who was inside ran out and burned his hand.” He added, “Anywhere in the world, in a synagogue thousands of kilometers away from a peaceful neighborhood, a peaceful community. For this to happen – it’s very frightening.”
The synagogue, which Klein said was “built by Holocaust survivors“Hundreds of worshipers were expected to flood in immediately after the attack. He noted the destruction of holy books and Torah scrolls inside the sanctuary, saying, “To see it burned and in ruins is a very horrifying thing to happen to a quiet community in Melbourne, Australia. You expect things like this to happen. do not keep.”
Fire Rescue Victoria Assistant Chief Fire Officer Brayden Cinnamon reported the building was “fully involved” in the blaze, requiring crews with breathing apparatus to tackle the “extended” blaze.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the incident as an “act of violence”. Anti-Semitism Intended to cause fear in the community.” He told ABC Radio Melbourne, “I’ve been informed this morning by AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw, there are two persons of interest who were there.” He continued, “They used accelerants and then spread with a broom, clearly designed to maximize the damage that could be done.” The Prime Minister concluded, “It’s a terrible morning to wake up to news that all Australians clearly understand. Must be condemned…this is an outrage.Violence and intimidation and destruction of a place of worship is something we should never see in Australia.
The attack followed Australia’s support of a UN resolution calling for Israel to withdraw from the occupied Palestinian territories and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s subsequent warning about possible consequences.
Zionist Federation of Australia President Jeremy Leibler said, “This violent attack is a direct result of words turning into actions. Jew hatred, left unchecked, endangers all Australians… Enough is enough, it is a stain on our nation. It is time for all levels of government to turn their words into action to curb this Jew hatred.”
