Two wounded in Australia synagogue firebombing

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A devastating fire ripped through the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea, Melbourne, early Friday morning, wounding two people and causing significant damage to the historic building.
The blaze, which the Australian police are investigating as suspicious, prompted a massive emergency response and has left the Jewish community in shock.

According to local reports, two individuals were wounded after two arsonists set it ablaze.
"I unequivocally condemn the attack on a Melbourne synagogue," Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, noting, "I have zero tolerance for antisemitism. It has absolutely no place in Australia."

The two suspects broke into the synagogue through a glass window and were seen setting fire to flammable material inside, an eye witness recounted.

The majority of the damage was caused in the Sephardi section of the synagogue, according to the eyewitness.

The synagogue did sustain significant damage, so a crime scene has been established,” a representative of Victoria’s police department told ABC radio.
Victoria Police have declared the site a crime scene, with the arson squad leading the investigation. Detective Darcy Sword told ABC Radio Melbourne that the cause of the fire is still undetermined, but authorities are treating it as suspicious.

The fire has left the Adass Israel community and the broader Jewish population in Melbourne grappling with fear and uncertainty. Many are calling for increased security around synagogues and other Jewish institutions in light of this suspected arson.

’Shocking escalation of hate'
Chairman of the World Zionist Organization Yaakov Hagoel responded to what he said was "the antisemitic attack on a synagogue in Melbourne, Australia."
In a statement, Hagoel said, "Jewish blood must not be spilled in vain.The attack on a synagogue in Melbourne serves as a stark reminder of the escalating wave of antisemitism that has spread with alarming intensity across the globe since October 7."

Executive Manager of the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC), Joel Burnie, said, "This appalling attack recalls some of the darkest episodes of human history.