A recent arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue, now under investigation as a potential act of terrorism, has highlighted a disturbing surge in antisemitic incidents across Australia. The attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue on December 6th follows a string of incidents that have shaken the Jewish community, including the firebombing of a car and vandalism of buildings in a Sydney Jewish community, marked by hateful graffiti such as "kill Israiel."
These incidents come on the heels of similar attacks in Sydney late last month, targeting vehicles and a restaurant with antisemitic graffiti. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns emphasized the significance of Sydney as a haven for Holocaust survivors, highlighting the irony of such hatred in a city with the world's second-highest per capita population of Holocaust survivors.
Members of Adass Israel Synagogue salvage belongings after the devastating arson attack. (Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)
A worshiper recounted his harrowing experience inside the synagogue during the attack, describing the sound of banging, shattering glass, and the smell of fire. He also shared the unsettling experience of being initially treated with suspicion by responding police officers.
The targeting of a non-Zionist synagogue like Adass Israel underscores the indiscriminate nature of the antisemitism, with community members emphasizing that "Jews are Jews" in the face of such hatred.
Example of antisemitic graffiti found in Melbourne. (Executive Council of Australian Jewry)
Frustration with the perceived lack of government support was evident in the community's interaction with law enforcement, with demands for increased protection and a more proactive response to the escalating threats.
Graffiti celebrating the October 7th Hamas attack. (Executive Council of Australian Jewry)
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's response to the attack has drawn criticism, with some deeming it delayed and inadequate. While he visited the synagogue and pledged increased security measures, including a dedicated operation by the Australian Federal Police and funding for Jewish organizations, his actions have been met with skepticism.
A chilling example of the hate targeting the Jewish community. (Fox News)
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) has expressed concerns about the national antisemitism crisis, urging the government to take stronger action, including increased security funding, educational initiatives, and enforcement of existing laws. They also highlighted the fear and anxiety gripping the Jewish community, impacting their ability to openly practice their faith and traditions.
Prime Minister Albanese during his visit to the Adass Israel Synagogue. (Joel Carrett/AAP Image via AP)
The ECAJ has documented a dramatic increase in antisemitic incidents, reporting over 2,000 incidents between October 2023 and September 2024, a stark rise from the previous year. This surge has been linked to events like the October 7th Hamas attack, with reports of individuals expressing support for the violence.
Pro-Palestinian protest in Melbourne. (Ye Myo Khant/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
The government has taken some steps to address the issue, including proposing stricter penalties for doxxing, particularly when motivated by factors like race or religion. However, concerns remain, prompting the Simon Wiesenthal Center to issue a travel advisory warning Jews to exercise caution when visiting Australia.
The Adass Israel Synagogue in the aftermath of the attack. (Alexander Bogatyrev/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
