Australian Prime Minister Heckled After Visit to Damaged Melbourne Synagogue

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faced criticism and heckling during his visit to the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea, Melbourne, which was severely damaged by arsonists last week. The attack, which left two people injured, has sparked a wave of anger and concern within the Jewish community.

In footage circulating on social media, Albanese was confronted by individuals who shouted at him, with one person saying, “You are late,” while another asked, “Does the Prime Minister condemn calls for an intifada against Jews?” These comments reflect the frustration over the timing of his visit, as the prime minister was criticized for playing tennis shortly after the attack.

Despite the backlash, Albanese condemned the act, calling it a likely case of terrorism, aimed at instilling fear in the community. "The atrocities that occurred at the synagogue in Melbourne clearly were designed to create fear in the community and therefore, from my personal perspective, certainly fulfill that definition of terrorism," he said.

In response to the growing concerns over rising antisemitism, Albanese announced the formation of a counter-antisemitism task force earlier this week. However, the Australian leader’s remarks were met with criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who linked the arson to the "anti-Israel spirit" he believes is present in Albanese’s government.