Australian PM Condemns Arson at Melbourne Synagogue: Zero Tolerance for Antisemitism

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned a recent arson attack on a synagogue in Melbourne and stressed that there is no place for antisemitism in the country.  

“I unequivocally condemn the attack on a Melbourne synagogue early this morning. I have zero tolerance for antisemitism. It has absolutely no place in Australia,” Albanese said in a statement hours after the attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue.  

“This violence and intimidation and destruction at a place of worship is an outrage. This attack has risked lives and is clearly aimed at creating fear in the community. The people involved must be caught and face the full force of the law,” stated the Australian Prime Minister.  

The fire at the synagogue, which police have described as “suspicious,” broke out at 4:10 a.m. Friday morning (local time), December 6.  

A board member of the synagogue, Benjamin Klein, told French media that a few congregants were sitting and praying inside when the fire started.  “They heard loud banging,” Klein said, adding that liquid was poured inside the synagogue and set alight.  

The congregants “ran out the back of the synagogue. One man who ran out -- his hand got burnt,” he said, adding, “The fire was extensive. Inside is completely gutted.” “Holy books and furniture had been destroyed,” he said, vowing that the community would “rebuild.” (INN / VFI News) 

“Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.” - 1 John 3:15