Suspicious Fire Causing Significant Damage to Synagogue in Melbourne Under Investigation by Police

melbourne - Australian police are investigating a suspicious fire that caused significant damage to a synagogue in Melbourne. Firefighters were deployed to extinguish the fire, but substantial damage occurred, raising concerns of antisemitic motives.

Australian police are currently investigating a suspicious fire that broke out at a synagogue in Melbourne, as reported by Australian media. The incident has caused significant damage and has sparked fear within the Jewish community in Australia over possible antisemitic motives.

The fire was reported around 4:00 am in the early morning, according to the Australian news channel ABC. Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control within approximately half an hour, but the building suffered considerable damage. Authorities are still determining the cause of the fire.

While the investigation is ongoing, Jeremy Leibler, the president of the Zionist Federation of Australia, has described the incident as a 'violent attack'. He emphasized the need for government action to combat antisemitism. Similarly, Australian politician Sussan Ley expressed her concerns, stating, 'I stand with the Jewish community who woke up to this distressing news today'.