Australia: Man arrested for burning down synagogue
The worshippers present at the time were able to escape the synagogue without injury. In a statement, the Australian Prime Minister condemned a " cowardly " attack that could have had " catastrophic consequences ."
Police announced Sunday the arrest and indictment of a man accused of setting fire to a synagogue in Australia while worshippers were dining inside.
The 34-year-old is suspected of setting fire to the front door of the busy Melbourne religious building on Friday evening, Shabbat, the traditional Jewish day of rest. " Detectives will continue to investigate the intentions and ideology of the person charged to determine whether this incident was in fact terrorist-related ," police said in a statement. The man has been charged with, among other things, endangering life.
Skip the adIn a statement, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the " cowardly " attack, which could have had " catastrophic consequences ," as the twenty or so worshippers were able to escape from the synagogue through the back without being injured.
Police are also investigating two other incidents that targeted Melbourne's Jewish community on Friday night: around 20 people stormed an Israeli restaurant and cars were covered in anti-Semitic graffiti. No connection has been made at this stage.
According to local media, the group of individuals disrupted the evening service at the establishment, overturned tables, and smashed a window. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the " violent attack " by " pro-Palestinian rioters " and called on Australia to ensure justice.
Jewish neighborhoods in Melbourne and Sydney have seen several acts of vandalism and similar attacks in recent months. In December, another Melbourne synagogue was set on fire, prompting the government to create a special unit to combat anti-Semitism.
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