Authorities in Melbourne, Australia are investigating a fire at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea as a deliberate act of arson, potentially motivated by antisemitism. The incident occurred early Friday morning as a congregant arriving for prayer witnessed two masked individuals dousing the building with an accelerant before setting it ablaze. The suspects remain at large.

While no serious injuries were reported, the synagogue sustained significant damage. Detective Inspector Chris Murray of the Victoria Police stated that the attack appears targeted, though the motive remains unclear.

Members of the local Jewish community assess the damage at the Adass Israel Synagogue following the arson attack on December 6, 2024. (Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese strongly condemned the attack, emphasizing his zero tolerance for antisemitism and calling for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also denounced the incident as an "abhorrent act of antisemitism," linking it to what he perceives as anti-Israel sentiment within the Australian government.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the arson, stating that antisemitism has no place in Australia. (Mick Tsikas/AAP Image via AP)

A community member retrieves belongings from the damaged Adass Israel Synagogue. (Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)