Australian PM condemns synagogue arson attack

Australia’s prime minister condemns an arson attack on a busy city synagogue, saying it was a “cowardly” act of antisemitism.

Police are searching for a man who set the front door of a Melbourne synagogue ablaze on Friday night as around 20 people ate dinner inside.

The worshippers — eating a meal in observation of Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest — escaped unscathed through the back of the synagogue before firefighters doused the blaze.

“Last night’s arson attack on the synagogue in east Melbourne is cowardly, is an act of violence and antisemitism, and has no place in Australian society,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says in a statement.

“It is to be hoped that the perpetrator is brought to justice urgently, and that he faces the full force of the law, and anyone involved in this attack faces the full force of the law.”

Albanese did not mention a mob attack on an Israeli restaurant in the city that occurred at the same time.

Antisemitism has no place in Australia. Those responsible for the shocking acts in Melbourne last night must face the full force of the law and my Government will provide all necessary support toward this effort. pic.twitter.com/jyFO2odHgK

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) July 5, 2025