A man attempted to set fire to a historic synagogue located in East Melbourne, Australia, on Friday, prompting immediate responses from authorities. The incident is regarded as part of a series of escalating anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim acts in Australia, coinciding with the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. According to officials, approximately 20 individuals were present inside the synagogue during the attempted arson, but fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Emergency services swiftly arrived at the scene, where the fire department extinguished a small blaze that had caused damage to the front door of the synagogue. The police from Victoria stated that they are continuing to investigate the matter closely.
The attempt occurred shortly after tensions heightened in downtown Melbourne, where a group of demonstrators protesting perceived excessive security at local protests clashed, leading to offensive chants directed at diners outside a nearby restaurant. This attack is reminiscent of a larger incident in December, when another synagogue was targeted, with no arrests made in that case yet.
The rising frequency of such incidents serves as a concerning reminder of the growing hostility faced by communities in the wake of international conflicts.
