Melbourne Synagogue Blaze Deemed ‘Probable’ Terror Act by Police

Australian police have indicated that a fire that extensively damaged Melbourne’s Adass Israel synagogue is being investigated as a probable act of terrorism. Authorities are searching for three individuals in connection with the early-morning fire on Friday, which resulted in a man sustaining a minor hand burn and significant structural harm. According to witness accounts, masked individuals were observed distributing what seemed to be an accelerant inside the premises before igniting it. Victoria Police stated that while there is no intelligence suggesting additional antisemitic attacks are imminent, patrols have been enhanced to provide reassurance to the community. Following discussions with the Australian Federal Police and the domestic intelligence agency Asio, the state police force announced that new “intelligence” prompted their decision to classify the event as a probable terror attack. Commissioner Shane Patton confirmed that law enforcement possessed no prior information indicating an impending arson attack before the fire occurred. He chose not to disclose additional specifics regarding the ongoing investigation. Mr. Patton’s statement was issued one day after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese characterized the event as “quite clearly terrorism,” even as he noted that police had not yet finalized their assessment. The Prime Minister referred to his characterization as a “personal view.” On Monday, state Premier Jacinta Allan indicated that the classification as a terror act would provide police with increased resources for their inquiry. Leaders within the Jewish community have expressed their conviction that this attack represents an intensification of a recently observed rise in antisemitism across Australia, thereby escalating concerns about potential violence. Several worshippers present inside the structure during the fire recounted hearing loud noises and witnessing a window shatter, followed by liquids being introduced and ignited. Benjamin Klein, a synagogue board member who communicated with witnesses, informed The Age newspaper that “The whole thing took off pretty quickly.” Following an encounter between officers at the scene and distressed and fearful worshippers on Friday, Mr. Patton stated that the police’s priority was to guarantee their safety. He added, “We have… extra police officers deployed in those areas where there are high numbers of Jewish persons living and congregating.” Premier Allan also urged the city to show solidarity with its Jewish communities. She emphasized, “We cannot let this conflict overseas continue to be a cloak for behaviour like [this].” Additionally, on Monday, Prime Minister Albanese unveiled a new federal taskforce dedicated to probing antisemitic incidents. The Prime Minister asserted that a specialized response was necessary to address the escalating threat, citing two other recent occurrences: the defacement of a Jewish Member of Parliament’s office and an assault in Sydney involving a torched vehicle and vandalized structures.