Australian PM urged to act after Melbourne synagogue attack
An Israeli restaurant was also targeted minutes later on Friday night, as Israeli Minister Amichai Chikli describes development of an 'alarming climate'
Israel’s Minister for Diaspora Affairs has written to the Australian Prime Minister in the wake of two attacks on the Jewish community in Melbourne on Friday, urging him to act “decisively” and describing it as “a test of moral leadership”.
In a letter sent on Sunday to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Amichai Chikli cited a rise in antisemitism of 320% in Australia since 7 October 2023.
On Friday night, an individual attempted to gain access to the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation during Shabbat services. Having failed to do so, the man poured flammable liquid on the entrance to the synagogue, before lighting it on fire. Minutes later and less than a mile away, 20 individuals, many of them masked, attacked an Israeli restaurant, hurling furniture at its windows while chanting ‘death to the IDF’. The restaurant, Miznon, is part of an international chain operated by Israeli celebrity chef Eyal Shani.
Elsewhere in the city, cars were set on fire and anti-Israel graffiti was daubed. It is not known whether the three attacks were linked.
A man, Angelo Loras, 34, was later arrested in connection with the attempted synagogue arson. A social media account bearing the name of the accused describes himself as “Iranian”.
Other members of the Israeli government also condemned the synagogue attack. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described it as “reprehensible” and “vile”, while Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said that “the Australian government must do more to fight this toxic disease”.
In his letter, Chikli described how “synagogues, Jewish businesses and students on campus have all come under attack” in Australia.
“This alarming climate is unfolding under your government’s watch”, the letter tells Albanese, “and is further legitimised by recent decisions to deny entry to former Israeli Minister Ayelet Shaked and pro-Israel advocate Hillel Fuld. These choices are seen as discriminatory and embolden those who spread hate. This is no longer a matter of rising tensions – this is a test of moral leadership…The time for statements has passed. The time for action is now.”
Speaking in the wake of the attacks, Albanese condemned them, saying “Those responsible for these shocking acts must face the full force of the law and my government will provide all necessary support toward this effort.”
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