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3d ago

Man Charged Over Shabbat Arson at East Melbourne Synagogue

Authorities have charged a 34-year-old Sydney man in connection with the Shabbat firebombing, with investigators probing possible links to the Miznon restaurant protest

MELBOURNE, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA - 2025/07/04: Police officers are seen collecting evidence at the synagogue which was the scene of an arson attack. Police declared a crime scene after a suspected arson attempt at East Melbourne synagogue. While the front doors sustained exterior burn damage, no one was injured in the attack. Victoria Police are seeking more information about the incident. (Photo by Alex Zucco/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
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Overview

  • The Counter Terrorism Security Investigation Unit arrested the suspect and charged him with reckless conduct endangering life, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, criminal damage by fire and possessing a controlled weapon
  • Police allege the man poured flammable liquid on the synagogue’s front doors during a Shabbat meal for about 20 worshippers, who evacuated safely with firefighters containing the blaze to the entrance
  • Detectives are examining whether the arson is tied to a pro-Palestinian demonstration at the Miznon restaurant where around 20 masked protesters chanted slogans and one person was arrested for hindering police
  • While not yet designated a terrorism incident, authorities are assessing the accused’s ideological motives and any connection to the unresolved December firebombing of the Ripponlea synagogue
  • Premier Jacinta Allan, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Jewish community leaders denounced the attacks as hate-based and urged enhanced security measures and tougher hate-crime laws