Premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan, has decried the “cowardly behavior” after a suspicious fire was reported at a synagogue in East Melbourne on Friday evening.
Victoria Police say a man of unknown identity entered the grounds of the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation on Albert Street around 8 PM on Friday, poured a flammable liquid on the front door, and set it ablaze.
The suspect fled the scene on foot in a westerly direction along Albert Street.
Approximately 20 individuals were present inside the synagogue, who were compelled to evacuate through the back. No injuries were reported.
Firefighters managed to douse the fire, limiting the damage to the entrance.
Victoria Police are communicating with those present and are intent on clarifying the circumstances, including the motivations behind the incident. They are currently in pursuit of any available CCTV footage.
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Victoria Police stated that there is no place in society for anti-Semitic or hate-based behavior.
The incident took place during Shabbat, the Jewish holy day.
Premier Allan termed the act as “cowardly behavior.”
The event’s timing on Shabbat amplifies its odiousness, she noted in a statement.
Anti-Semitism is not tolerated in Victoria, and I stand with the Jewish community against hatred, violence, and fear, Allan proclaimed.
The Liberal state legislator David Southwick demanded the prosecution of the individuals responsible.
Force should be exercised against those accountable, said the Executive Council of Australian Jewry’s co-CEO, Alex Ryvchin. “These events demonstrate the deteriorating condition of anti-Semitism in our nation.”
Ryvchin urged all political parties and Australians to repudiate such heinous acts.
