Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denounced an anti-Semitic attack on a Melbourne synagogue as “reprehensible” and has called on Anthony Albanese to take action against similar crimes. A 34-year-old man from New South Wales has been charged with allegedly pouring a flammable liquid on the front door of the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation and setting it on fire. Other incidents, including an arrest at an Israeli restaurant in Melbourne’s CBD, also took place on Friday. Netanyahu, joined by Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, expressed their condemnation and support for the Australian Jewish community, demanding the Australian government to take stricter measures against the rioters. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that the attack was a violation of Australian values and pledged solidarity with the affected community. Sarah Schwartz, from the Jewish Council of Australia, and Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, have also condemned the acts and called for increased efforts to combat racism and anti-Semitism.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jul/06/israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-condemns-reprehensible-anti-semitic-melburne-synagogue-attack-ntwnfb
