Daijiworld Media Network - Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv, Jul 5: Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has strongly condemned a spate of antisemitic attacks in Melbourne, Australia, including an arson attempt at a synagogue and a targeted act of violence at an Israeli restaurant. The attacks occurred late Friday in the State of Victoria, sparking outrage and calls for decisive action from both Israeli and Australian officials.
“I strongly condemn last night’s vile antisemitic attacks in Melbourne, including the arson attack on the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation and the targeted violence at the Israeli restaurant Miznon,” Sa’ar said on X (formerly Twitter). “Israel stands firmly with the Jewish community in Australia. The Australian government must do more to combat this poisonous disease,” he added.
Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel also expressed full solidarity with Melbourne’s Jewish community. In a strongly worded statement, she called the incidents “terrorism aimed at intimidating an entire community”, warning that such hate-fueled violence undermines Australia's core values of diversity, tolerance, and freedom.
“These horrifying attacks remind us how far racist and antisemitic hate has spread — even in democratic societies. There must be consequences. Weakness and silence only embolden extremists. The perpetrators must be brought to justice,” Haskel said.
The Israeli outrage was echoed by Australian leaders. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, condemning the attacks as “shocking,” declared that “antisemitism has no place in Australia” and promised full government support to ensure the attackers face justice.
In a joint statement, Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke and Small Business Minister Anne Aly described the synagogue attack as “disgusting and cowardly,” especially given that families, including children, were inside observing the Shabbat dinner when the arson took place.
“This attack is not only a crime against a community, it is an assault on everything we stand for as Australians,” the ministers said. They confirmed that the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and ASIO, the country’s national security agency, have joined the Victoria Police in the ongoing investigation.
According to police reports, an unidentified man poured a flammable liquid on the door of the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation and set it ablaze. Fortunately, all 20 people inside were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported.
In a statement, Victoria Police reaffirmed their zero-tolerance policy: “There is absolutely no place in our society for antisemitic or hate-based behaviour.”
Security has since been tightened around Jewish places of worship and Israeli establishments across Melbourne. Investigations into both incidents remain ongoing.