Suspicious fire damages historic synagogue in Melbourne

The blaze, which the Australian police are investigating as suspicious, prompted a massive emergency response and has left the Jewish community in shock.

By COREY TUSAK, JERUSALEM POST STAFF DECEMBER 5, 2024 22:58 Updated: DECEMBER 5, 2024 23:15

Firefighters operate at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne. December 5, 2024. (photo credit: Courtesy)

A devastating fire ripped through the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea, Melbourne, early Friday morning, causing significant damage to the historic building. 

The blaze, which the Australian police are investigating as suspicious, prompted a massive emergency response and has left the Jewish community in shock.

According to local reports, two individuals were wounded after two arsonists set it ablaze.  

Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) crews were called to the scene around 4:10 a.m., finding the single-story synagogue engulfed in flames. According to ABC News, 60 firefighters and 17 firetrucks worked tirelessly to bring the fire under control within an hour. Assistant Chief Fire Officer Brayden Sinnamon praised the firefighters' efforts, noting that on the building and set it ablaze. "It was terrifying," a witness told 7News, adding that the attackers fled immediately after igniting the fire.

The two suspects broke into the synagogue through a glass window and were seen setting fire to flammable material inside, an eye witness recounted.

The synagogue, located on Glen Eira Avenue, sustained significant structural damage.

The majority of the damage was caused in the Sephardi section of the synagogue, according to the eyewitness.

“The synagogue did sustain significant damage so a crime scene has been established,” a representative of Victoria’s police department told ABC radio.

 Victoria Police have declared the site a crime scene, with the arson squad leading the investigation. Detective Darcy Sword told ABC Radio Melbourne that the cause of the fire is still undetermined, but authorities are treating it as suspicious. 

The fire has disrupted the surrounding area, with the road closed temporarily and the nearby train level crossing blocked during the emergency response. A community advice warning was issued for smoke in neighboring suburbs, though the situation has since been brought under control.

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Jewish community leaders expressed their deep concern over the incident. CCTV footage from the site has been handed over to police to aid the investigation, according to a Jewish leader present at the scene. "This is not just an attack on a building; it’s an attack on a community," the leader said.

The attack comes at a time of heightened tension, as Australia’s recent vote at the United Nations supporting a resolution calling for Israel to withdraw from the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem has sparked criticism from Israeli officials. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the vote as "disappointing" and warned it could "invite more terrorism," according to The Australian.

The fire has left the Adass Israel community and the broader Jewish population in Melbourne grappling with fear and uncertainty. Many are calling for increased security around synagogues and other Jewish institutions in light of this suspected arson.

'Jewish blood must not be spilled in vain'

Chairman of the World Zionist Organization Yaakov Hagoel responded to what he claims to be "the antisemitic attack on a synagogue in Melbourne, Australia."

In a statement, Hagoel said, "Jewish blood must not be spilled in vain.The attack on a synagogue in Melbourne serves as a stark reminder of the escalating wave of antisemitism that has spread with alarming intensity across the globe since October 7."

Hagoel added, "It is imperative for world leaders to come together and take a resolute, uncompromising stand against all forms of antisemitism to ensure the safety and security of Jewish communities everywhere."

This is a developing story.