Melbourne, July 05 (V7N) — A series of anti-Semitic incidents unfolded in Melbourne, Australia, on Friday night and early Saturday, raising concerns about rising tensions in the community.

Victoria state police reported that on Friday evening around 8 pm local time, a man poured flammable liquid on the main door of a synagogue on Albert Street in East Melbourne and set it on fire. Approximately 20 people were inside the synagogue at the time, attending an evening meal for the Jewish Sabbath. Firefighters quickly controlled the blaze, and no injuries were reported. The suspect fled the scene and remains unidentified.

Shortly after the synagogue attack, about 20 protesters entered “Mizon,” an Israeli restaurant located in Hardware Lane, a popular nightlife area. The protesters chanted slogans including “Death to the IDF,” referencing the Israeli army. Police arrested a 28-year-old man for obstructing police, who was later released on bail. The restaurant confirmed the incident to international media.

Victoria Police Acting Commander Zorka Dunstan revealed that in the early hours of Saturday, three vehicles were set on fire near a business in Greensborough, a Melbourne suburb. Graffiti was sprayed on the vehicles and surrounding walls. The targeted business has a history of previous incidents involving pro-Palestinian protesters. Investigations are ongoing.

The police counter-terrorism unit is leading the probe but has not yet classified the events as terrorist attacks. “We will be analysing the motives and ideology of the individuals or groups involved,” Commander Dunstan said.

The Executive Council of the Jewish Community of Australia (ECAJ) condemned the attacks, highlighting the vulnerability of Jewish communities and calling for increased vigilance and protection.

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