Police declare Melbourne synagogue fire ‘likely’ a terror act

Australian authorities have classified a fire at Melbourne’s Adass Israel synagogue as a probable terror attack, marking a significant escalation in concerns over antisemitism in the community. The early-morning blaze on Friday caused extensive damage to the synagogue and left one man with minor burns to his hand. The incident has heightened fears of targeted violence against Jewish populations.

Witnesses described masked individuals entering the building, spreading what appeared to be an accelerant, and setting it alight. Police are actively searching for three suspects believed to be involved in the attack. While there is no evidence to suggest further antisemitic incidents are planned, Victoria Police has increased patrols in areas with significant Jewish populations to provide reassurance and deter potential threats.

Following discussions with the Australian Federal Police and domestic intelligence agency ASIO, Victoria Police cited new intelligence as the basis for treating the fire as a likely terror attack. Authorities acknowledged that no prior warnings had been received, but emphasized that the designation allows them to allocate additional resources to the investigation.

The incident underscores the growing need to address antisemitism, with law enforcement focusing efforts on ensuring the safety of Jewish communities while working to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

The designation followed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s earlier remarks describing the attack as terrorism, though he acknowledged police were still finalizing their conclusions. On Monday, Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan supported the decision, stating that the classification would enable police to deploy enhanced investigative measures.

Jewish community leaders have expressed concern that the incident reflects an escalation in antisemitic acts across Australia, which they say have been on the rise. Worshippers who were inside the synagogue at the time described hearing banging noises and glass shattering before liquids were thrown into the building and ignited. Witness accounts suggest the fire spread rapidly, leaving little time for those inside to react.

In response to the attack, police have focused efforts on ensuring the safety of the local Jewish community. Officers at the scene on Friday were confronted by frightened worshippers, prompting reassurances from authorities about their commitment to increased security. Extra patrols have since been deployed to areas with significant Jewish populations.

The attack has sparked outrage among political leaders. Premier Allan urged Melbourne to stand in solidarity with its Jewish communities, condemning the use of the conflict overseas as a pretext for acts of hate. Prime Minister Albanese also announced the creation of a federal strike force to investigate antisemitic incidents. The initiative follows a series of troubling events, including the vandalism of a Jewish MP’s office and a separate arson attack in Sydney where a car was burned and buildings were defaced with graffiti.

The Adass Israel synagogue fire marks a turning point in the country’s handling of rising antisemitism. Authorities are working to reassure the public and hold those responsible accountable, while leaders emphasize the need for unity against hate-fueled violence. Investigations into the synagogue fire and related incidents remain ongoing as law enforcement seeks to prevent further escalation.