Australia's Largest Synagogue Damaged In Suspected Antisemitic Arson Attack

A synagogue in Melbourne was set on fire early Friday morning, causing significant damage to one section of the building. No injuries were reported, but authorities are investigating the attack as a suspected antisemitic hate crime

According to local media, the Adass Israel synagogue, Australia's largest, was damaged by a "suspicious fire," with "zero access to the building" and surrounding streets cordoned off. Residents said they awoke to the sound of sirens and discovered the Adass Israel synagogue engulfed in flames.

Witnesses reported that at approximately 4:10 a.m. local time, two masked individuals smashed a window, entered the synagogue, poured gasoline and ignited the fire before fleeing. Two worshippers inside the building, preparing for early morning study before prayers, alerted emergency services.