In an “act of hate” denounced by the prime minister, a synagogue in Australia was set on fire, forcing worshippers to evacuate.
When firefighters arrived at the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne shortly after 4:00 p.m. local time on Friday (17:00 p.m. GMT Thursday), they discovered the edifice completely destroyed by fire.
Local journalists were informed by community leaders that “a few people” were inside for morning prayers at that time and that they had witnessed firebombs being thrown. The fire caused significant damage and injured one person.
Although they are keeping an “open mind” regarding a motive, police said they think the fire was started on purpose.
The incident in Ripon, in the southeast of the city, was “clearly aimed at creating fear,” according to a statement from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
