Police are investigating a third antisemitic attack that occurred across Melbourne overnight, escalating concerns over recent hate crimes targeting the Jewish community.
The first incident involved a synagogue in East Melbourne, which was set on fire around 8 pm on Friday. Later that evening, protesters gathered outside a Jewish-owned restaurant in the CBD, in what authorities are also looking into.
On Saturday afternoon, Victoria Police provided details about another incident at a business in Greensborough. Acting Commander Zorka Dunstan explained, “It’s understood that unknown offenders attended a business on Para Road and set fire to three cars. They also used spray paint on the cars and a nearby building wall. One of the cars was destroyed, while the other two sustained moderate damage.”
Commander Dunstan noted that the incident involved “some references of antisemitism.” She added that the business had experienced pro-Palestinian activity over the past year, leading police to suspect a possible connection to the other two incidents from Friday. The arson attack on the synagogue and the protest at the restaurant prompted an investigation involving Australia’s national security agency, ASIO, and the federal police.
The Victorian premier, opposition leaders, and police have all condemned the attacks, joining members of the Australian Jewish community in expressing outrage.
Authorities confirmed that around 8 pm on Friday, a man entered the grounds of the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation on Albert Street, poured a flammable liquid on the front door, and set it on fire.
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