Man charged with setting fire to Melbourne synagogue, police still examining possible terror charges

A man suspected of setting fire to an Australian synagogue as worshipers ate dinner inside has been arrested and charged, police said Sunday.

The 34-year-old is suspected of setting the front door of the busy East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation synagogue ablaze on Friday night while around 20 people were inside.

Victoria state police charged the man with a string of offenses, including reckless conduct endangering life.

“Detectives will continue to examine the intent and ideology of the person charged to determine if the incident is in fact terrorism,” police say in a statement.

The worshipers escaped unscathed through the back of the synagogue before firefighters doused the blaze.

Police said they were yet to find a link between the two other incidents targeting Jewish residents in Melbourne on Friday night.

In one instance, a group of about 20 anti-Israel protesters swarmed an Israeli-owned restaurant while chanting “Death to the IDF.”

The protesters allegedly flipped over tables and smashed a window, according to local media.

Cars were set on fire and daubed with antisemitic graffiti in a third incident in another part of the city.