A surge of antisemitic attacks in Australia has sparked significant concern within the Jewish community, particularly in Melbourne, where recent incidents have left many feeling fearful. The situation escalated with an arson attack on the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation during Shabbat dinner, where around 20 worshipers were present. Fortunately, a quick response from the fire brigade prevented the flames from fully engulfing the synagogue. This event echoes the previous firebombing of the Adas Israel Synagogue, which remains unresolved. Despite the severity of the incident, police have yet to label it a terror attack.
The evening of the arson saw another violent episode at Miznon, an Israeli-owned restaurant. Approximately 20 masked extremists disrupted diners, chanting alarming slogans against the Israel Defense Forces and throwing chairs and glassware, causing chaos and panic. Eyewitness accounts describe a scene where patrons fled for safety amid the mayhem. Although a protester was arrested, they were soon released with a summons, prompting further criticism of police actions. The overall intensity of these actions highlights a disturbing trend of violence against the Jewish community.
Victoria Police have confirmed an ongoing investigation into a separate incident involving vehicle arson and graffiti, which may contain antisemitic messages. Their commander refrained from stating definitively whether the graffiti was antisemitic, but noted the troubling hints of such sentiments in all three attacks. Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), has vocally condemned these actions, appealing to all political sides and the broader Australian public to unite against these egregious acts. He emphasized that those promoting violence cannot be seen as peace advocates and stressed the necessity for a robust legal response to such ideologies.
Avi Yemini, a prominent journalist, voiced similar concerns, asserting that these recent incidents reflect an alarming emboldenment among anti-Israel activists. He criticized Victoria Police for what he perceived as their failure to adequately manage the protests in Melbourne, suggesting that they have effectively allowed anti-Israel demonstrations to control the city. The tension has reached a point where law enforcement seems to struggle with addressing the volatility surrounding these demonstrations.
Australian political leaders, including Gideon Sa’ar, the Israeli foreign minister, have condemned these attacks, with calls for the Australian government to intensify efforts against rising antisemitism. The situation is particularly pressing given the sharp increase in antisemitic incidents documented by the ECAJ. Data collected from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024, reported a staggering 2,062 antisemitic events, indicating a troubling pattern of hostility that calls for immediate corrective action.
In summary, the rise in antisemitic attacks in Australia, particularly in Melbourne, has ignited fear within the Jewish community while raising questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement and the government’s response. With multiple incidents of violence, including arson and aggressive protests, the Jewish community demands accountability and increased protective measures. Political leaders are urged to confront this alarming trend, highlighting the need for a unified societal stance against antisemitism.
