Australia's Prime Minister Calls Melbourne Synagogue Blaze Terrorism

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has labeled a recent arson attack on the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne as an act of terrorism. The fire, which broke out on Friday morning, left one person injured and caused significant damage to the building. Albanese described the attack as an attempt to instill fear in the community, adding that it fits the definition of terrorism.

The attack has drawn sharp responses from both Australian and Israeli officials. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu linked the incident to the "anti-Israel spirit" of Albanese's government, particularly criticizing the Labor government's support for a U.N. motion backing Palestinian statehood. Netanyahu’s comments suggested that the Australian government's policies may have contributed to the climate of hostility surrounding Israel.

In response, Australia’s government defended its stance on antisemitism, pointing to its actions since Albanese took office in 2022. These include a $25 million investment to improve security at Jewish sites, a ban on the Nazi salute, and laws to restrict the display of terror group symbols. However, some Jewish groups argue that more action is needed, given the rising incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia in the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Police have yet to locate the suspects responsible for starting the fire but are continuing their investigation into the incident. The arson comes amidst a backdrop of increasing tensions and protests, particularly those linked to the Israel-Palestine conflict. While many protests have remained peaceful, there are concerns over the potential for violence to disrupt social harmony in Australia.

Globally, antisemitism has been rising since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023. In Amsterdam, a violent clash involving Maccabi Tel Aviv fans led to charges of antisemitism, but authorities ruled out terrorism in that case, differentiating fear-driven actions from legally defined terrorism.