Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the arson fire at a Melbourne synagogue earlier today, saying there was no place for anti-Semitism in Australia.
The suspicious fire broke out at the Adass Israel Glen Eira Avenue Synagogue in Ripponlea at around 4.10am and took 60 firefighters around an hour to bring it under control.
He left the place of worship badly damaged.
“I have zero tolerance for anti-Semitism. It has absolutely no place in Australia. This violence, intimidation and destruction of a place of worship is an outrage,” Albanese said in a statement
“This attack has put lives at risk and is clearly aimed at creating fear in the community.
“This deliberate, illegal attack goes against everything we are as Australians and everything we have worked so hard to build as a nation.
Albanese was informed of the fire by the commissioner of the Australian Federal Police. He said the federal government was ready to provide its full assistance to Victorian investigators.
Police said no one was injured in the fire, but the synagogue sustained significant damage.
“The crime scene has been established, the investigation continues.
A synagogue board member told 9News he was deeply shocked by the arson.
“I didn’t think it would happen to us here in Melbourne,” he said.
“You know we are a quiet community. We bowed our heads. We don’t disturb anyone. We wish everyone the best.”
The fire broke out about two hours before daily early prayers at the synagogue, which is attended by about 200 to 300 worshippers.
Firefighters remain on scene this morning checking for hot spots.
A community warning has been issued for smoke in nearby suburbs.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV/CCTV or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
