Australian leader blames antisemitism for arson that extensively damaged a Melbourne synagogue

Associated Press

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Arsonists have extensively damaged a Melbourne synagogue in what Australia’s prime minister has condemned as an antisemitic attack on Australian values. Police say a witness who had come to Adass Israel Synagogue to pray saw two masked people spreading an accelerant inside the building before dawn Friday. About 60 firefighters with 17 fire trucks responded to the blaze that police say caused extensive damage. Investigators have yet to identify a motive, but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese blamed antisemitism. Attacks against Jews and Muslims have increased in Australia since Israel declared war on Hamas last year. The government has appointed special envoys to combat antisemitism and Islamophobia in the community.