Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan announced that state and federal counter-terrorism units will meet today, December 9, to discuss the investigation into the arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea, Melbourne, which occurred on Friday, December 6.
The attack has sent shockwaves through the Jewish community, drawing widespread condemnation, including from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
While no arrests have been made, Premier Allan confirmed on Sunday, December 8, that Victoria Police Chief Commissioner assured her of “progress” in the investigation, with counter-terrorism units “at the heart” of the efforts.
Allan refrained from calling the incident an act of terror, leaving that determination to law enforcement. However, she said the attack “was designed to strike terror into the hearts of the Jewish community here in Melbourne and Victoria and indeed around the nation.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, speaking later on Sunday, expressed his “personal view” that the firebombing was an act of terrorism, adding that the situation would be evaluated by law enforcement.
Albanese said, “Quite clearly terrorism is something that is aimed at creating fear in the community, and the attacks on the synagogue in Melbourne clearly were.”
The attack has been labelled “anti-Semitic” and “un-Australian” by various leaders, including Albanese, who expressed solidarity with the Jewish community.
“We stand with you,” he stated, condemning the “prejudice” that led to the attack.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) December 7, 2024
On Saturday, December 7, a bullet was discovered on a footpath outside the synagogue, and while its link to the arson remains unconfirmed, police are investigating the find. Increased police patrols have been deployed around Melbourne’s synagogues and Jewish community sites.
The attack, which is the third firebombing targeting Jewish institutions since October 7, prompted emotional responses from community members, including Holocaust survivor Eddy Boas, who expressed shock that such an event could happen in Australia.
At a vigil attended by over 1,000 people, Daniel Aghion from the Executive Council of Australian Jewry condemned the act as “domestic terrorism,” emphasising the pain and anger felt by the Jewish community.
Meanwhile, tensions between political leaders have escalated. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton criticised Albanese for not immediately labelling the attack as terrorism, accusing the Prime Minister of downplaying anti-Semitism. In contrast, Albanese defended his approach, stressing that the formal process for declaring terrorism should be followed.
The Australian government has been under pressure to address rising anti-Semitism, with Albanese citing measures such as the extension of a $25 million fund for Jewish community security and the criminalisation of hate symbols. Despite political divides, Albanese called for unity, saying, “Our leaders should stand together” in response to the attack.
As the investigation continues, the Jewish community remains resilient, with leaders vowing to rebuild the synagogue and affirming that “nobody can destroy our community.”
