Australia’s Jewish community is grappling with anxiety following two violent incidents that occurred on Friday evening in Melbourne, intensifying fears after a series of previous attacks on Jewish institutions. The Victoria police are conducting investigations into these separate events that unfolded around 8 p.m., merely a mile apart.
In one incident, an individual poured a flammable liquid on the entrance of a synagogue in East Melbourne, igniting it while about 20 congregants were inside. Fortunately, all individuals were able to escape through a rear exit, and firefighters came quickly to control the blaze, limiting the damage to the front entrance. There were no reported injuries, and no arrests have been made so far, though an arson investigator has been dispatched to the scene.
Simultaneously, roughly 20 protesters near a busy city center launched "offensive chants" at diners in an Israeli restaurant, leading to the arrest of one protester for obstructing law enforcement. Details of the chants were not disclosed, but reports indicated that the scene turned chaotic with tables overturned and projectiles thrown, resulting in a broken window. The arrested individual, 28, was later released with a summons.
The restaurant declined to comment on the incident when contacted. The premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan, expressed concern in a statement, recognizing the disturbing nature of both attacks and underscoring the urgent need for community safety measures.
