2024 Melbourne synagogue attack

{{Infobox civilian attack

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| map = {{Infobox mapframe |coord={{Coord|-37.8758|144.9959}} |frame-width=250 |zoom=15}}

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| map_caption = Location of the Adass Israel synagogue in Ripponlea, Victoria.

| title = 2024 Melbourne synagogue attack

| location = Adass Israel Synagogue, Ripponlea, Victoria, Australia

| coordinates = {{Coord|-37.8758|144.9959|type:event_region:AU|display=inline,title}}

| date = {{start date|df=yes|2024|12|06}}

| time = 4:10 a.m.{{Cite web |last=MCGUIRK |first=ROD |date=2024-12-06 |title=Australian leader blames antisemitism for arson that extensively damaged a Melbourne synagogue |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/australian-prime-minister-blames-antisemitism-arson-attack-synagogue-116509685 |access-date=2024-12-07 |website=ABC News |language=en}}

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| timezone = AEDT; UTC+11:00

| target = Members of the congregation, the synagogue building

| type = Arson terrorist attack

| weapon = Petrol

| fatalities = 0

| injuries = 1

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| perpetrators = At least three unknown perpetrators{{Cite web |last=Turnbull |first=Tiffanie |date=9 December 2024 |title=Melbourne synagogue fire 'likely' terror act, police say |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crmn74m1jkpo |access-date=2024-12-27 |website=BBC |place=Sydney |language=en-GB}}

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| motive = Unknown

| notes = Destruction of the building
Injury of one congregation member
Victoria Police declare the incident a terrorist attack on 9 December
Counter-terrorism units of the Australian Federal Police and Victoria Police search for perpetrators.

}}

On 6 December 2024, at approximately 4:10 am local time, an arson terrorist attack took place at the Adass Israel Synagogue of Melbourne in Ripponlea, a suburb of Melbourne, Australia.{{Cite web |last=Jose |first=Renju |date=2024-12-06 |title=Australia police search for two suspects in arson attack on Melbourne synagogue |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australia-police-investigate-suspected-arson-melbourne-synagogue-2024-12-06/ |website=Reuters|access-date=12 December 2024}} The resulting fire injured one member of the synagogue and caused significant damage to the building. Investigation of the attack was assigned to the Australian Federal Police's counter-terrorism unit. On 9 December 2024, Victoria Police stated the incident was being treated as a terrorist attack.{{Cite news |last=Schmidt |first=Nathan |last2=Wilkie |first2=Kelsey |date=December 9, 2024 |title=Police confirm synagogue firebomb is likely terrorism incident |url=https://www.news.com.au/national/victoria/courts-law/police-confirm-synagogue-firebomb-is-likely-terrorism-incident/news-story/e779b667e682bf392eda230aa56a612f |access-date=12 December 2024 |newspaper=News.com.au}} The perpetrators of the attack reportedly used an accelerant and followed by spreading that throughout the interior of the building with a broom before lighting the accelerant fluid. And police commenced searching for the perpetrators of the attack.

Background

The synagogue had last been the subject of an arson in 1995, in which all the Torah scrolls were kept safe from the fire.https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/masked-arsonists-set-melbourne-synagogue-ablaze-in-pre-dawn-attack/UXNGGGDB4ZBVXMMNUJ72BQZFEY/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/261666566 In that case, police did not find any evidence that antisemitism or racism motivated the crime.https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/261666496{{cite news|url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/life/weekend-australian-magazine/a-world-of-their-own-/news-story/9716358682dfb477c98702b9d05a4562?amp=&nk=cd836848ca698012d18ddfce5d9f7670-1709695197|title=A world of their own

|publisher=The Australian|date=2011-10-01|quote=Although the Adass synagogue was damaged by fire in 1995 this was not linked to anti-Semitism.}}

Following the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, antisemitic actions directed at synagogues occurred across Australia. In an incident occurring on 8 October 2023, in New South Wales, two individuals walked past a synagogue and shouted “Allahu Akbar”, before saying that they would “blow up the synagogue”.[https://www.csgnsw.org.au/s/CSG-Analysis-of-Reported-Antisemitic-Incidents-in-Australia-2023.pdf A CSG Analysis of Reported Antisemitic Incidents in Australia in 2023]. Community Security Group. 2024. Accessed 18 January 2025. On 11 October 2023, in Melbourne, a synagogue received a bomb threat.2023 Victorian Antisemitism Report. Jewish Community Council of Victoria and the Community Security Group. On 23 November 2023, in Western Australia, an individual threw two glasses of red paint at a synagogue. In December 2023, hoax bomb threats were made to several synagogues across Australia. On 26 November 2024, a Chabad synagogue in St Kilda, Melbourne was vandalised with pro-Palestinian and antisemitic graffiti.{{Cite web|url=https://www.australianjewishnews.com/chabad-st-kilda-synagogue-targeted/|title=Rabbi's wife and children forced to leave|first=Bruce|last=Hill|website=www.australianjewishnews.com|access-date=12 December 2024}}

The targeted synagogue in the December 2024 attack was the Orthodox Adass Israel Synagogue of Melbourne, located in Ripponlea, Victoria. It was built in 1965, designed by Ernest Fooks,{{cite report |author= |author-link= |date= |chapter=Adass Israel Synagogue |title=City of Port Phillip Heritage Review |url=https://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/media/hlilz4e2/10-7-attachment-2b-ho7-review-stage-2-rba-report-appendices-g-and-h.pdf|publisher=City of Port Phillip |page=106 |docket=2435 |access-date=17 December 2024 |quote=}} and opened on 19 September 1965.{{Cite web |title=Adass Israel Congregation |url=http://skhs.org.au/SKHSchurches/adass_israel_congregation.htm |access-date=8 December 2024 |website=St Kilda Historical Society |archive-date=25 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325052334/http://skhs.org.au/SKHSchurches/adass_israel_congregation.htm |url-status=live }} It is part of the Adass Israel Congregation, a Jewish group in Melbourne that traces its origins to a split in the Elwood Talmud Torah Hebrew Congregation in 1939/1940. Some of its early members were boys and men who had been sent to Australia by the British on the infamous Dunera in 1941.{{cite web |date=2019-03-26 |title=Adass Israel welcomes new Rov |url=https://www.australianjewishnews.com/adass-israel-welcomes-new-rov/ |access-date=8 December 2024 |website=Australian Jewish News |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406132721/https://www.australianjewishnews.com/adass-israel-welcomes-new-rov/ |url-status=live }} The Synagogue was previously vandalised in 1989,Kleerekoper, Victor (1989). [https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/261891879 More anti-semitic daubings]. The Australian Jewish News. 10 November 1989. Accessed 13 January 2025. and it was severely damaged in an arson attack on 1 January 1995. According to Philip Zajac, President of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria, the Adass Israel congregation is apolitical with regards to the State of Israel.{{Cite news |last=Belot |first=Henry |date=2024-12-12 |title=‘They thought this would never happen here’: attack on Melbourne synagogue revives memories of past atrocities |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/dec/13/melbourne-synagogue-fire-attack-world-war-ii-survivors-ntwnfb |access-date=2025-05-02 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} The terrorist attack took place in a period where the Australian Government's National Terrorism Threat Level was at probable after being raised in August 2024, indicating that there is a greater than 50% chance of a terrorist attack or attack planning taking place in Australia's near future.{{cite web | url=https://www.nationalsecurity.gov.au/national-threat-level/current-national-terrorism-threat-level | title=Australian National Security Website }}{{Cite web |title=Why did Australia's Terrorism Threat Level Change? |url=https://arpc.gov.au/resources/why-did-australias-terrorism-threat-level-change/#:~:text=On%205%20August,%20the%20Australian,to%20'possible'%20in%202022. |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=ARPC |language=en-AU}} The threat level had previously been at probable level since shortly after November 2015's Paris terror attacks until 2022 when it was lowered to possible.

Attack

In the early hours of 6 December 2024, two masked men entered the Adass Israel Synagogue of Melbourne in Ripponlea. The men began pouring an accelerant on the floor and spreading it throughout the interior of the building with a broom when they were disturbed by a congregant who was attending the synagogue.{{Cite web |last1=Houston |first1=Cameron |last2=Morgan |first2=Cassandra |last3=Le Grand |first3=Chip |last4=Priess |first4=Benjamin |date=2024-12-05 |title='An act of hate': Counter-terrorism police to investigate synagogue firebombing |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/victoria/in-the-wake-of-synagogue-attack-finger-pointing-and-grief-20241206-p5kwax.html |access-date=2024-12-07 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=2024-12-05 |title=Melbourne's Jewish community in shock after synagogue set alight in 'act of hate' |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12-06/melbourne-synagogue-fire-adass-israel-community-suspicious/104692108 |access-date=2024-12-07 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}} The two perpetrators set the accelerant alight just before 4:10 am and fled the scene. The fire spread quickly causing extensive damage to the inside of the synagogue and collapsing part of the roof. One member of the synagogue sustained minor injuries to his hands in the fire.{{Cite web |last=Sciberras |first=Allanah |date=2024-12-06 |title=Man inside synagogue during firebombing says petrol can was thrown |url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/adass-israel-synagogue-fire-updates-yumi-friedman-speaks-after-being-inside-melbourne-synagogue-during-arson-attack/e44d4bc4-9ea1-4404-8b6f-53dc66fdf545 |access-date=2024-12-07 |website=9News}}{{Cite news |last1=Wu |first1=David |last2=Mageros |first2=Adriana |date=6 December 2024 |title=Footage inside Adass Israel Synagogue of Melbourne reveals extent of damage after suspicious fire rips through building |url=https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/crime/victoria-police-set-up-crime-scene-at-adass-israel-synagogue-of-melbourne-in-ripponlea-after-massive-fire-damages-building/news-story/308dcbe05c0150d6c4f44f2a5a2103a5 |access-date=8 December 2024 |work=Sky News Australia |publisher=}}

Dozens of emergency service crews, including 65 firefighters, were called to Synagogue shortly after the blaze first started. Firefighters spent more than an hour containing the blaze.{{Cite news |last=Mageros |first=Adriana |date=6 December 2024 |title=Melbourne Jewish leader says community is 'reeling' during emotional TV interview after fire tears through Addas Israel synagogue |url=https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/crime/melbourne-jewish-leader-says-community-is-reeling-during-emotional-tv-interview-after-fire-tears-through-addas-israel-synagogue/news-story/dc639ce78450dd958bb38f48f7709f12 |access-date=8 December 2024 |work=Sky News Australia}} A crime scene was established after the fire had been put out and members of the synagogue where allowed to enter in the afternoon of 6 December 2024 to retrieve the Torah scrolls, holy books, tallits, tefillin, other artefacts and some personal items.

Aftermath

On 9 December, in the wake of the synagogue attack, the AFP established Taskforce Avalite to investigate antisemitism in Australia.{{Cite news |last=Evans |first=Jake |date=9 December 2024 |title=AFP anti-Semitism taskforce 'Avalite' established after synagogue attack |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12-09/afp-anti-semitism-taskforce-synagogue-attack/104702994 |access-date=2024-12-09 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.afp.gov.au/news-centre/media-release/afp-lead-special-operation-avalite-investigate-anti-semitism|title=AFP to lead Special Operation Avalite to investigate anti-Semitism | Australian Federal Police|website=www.afp.gov.au|date=9 December 2024 }} The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) also announced it would be assisting the taskforce in its investigation. Following the incident, police in Canberra increased patrols around synagogues in the nation's capital.{{Cite web |last=Tindale |first=Lanie |date=2024-12-13 |title=Extra police presence at Canberra synagogues after anti-Semitic attacks |url=https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/8846227/act-police-boost-patrols-at-canberra-synagogues-jewish-community-centres/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250502072434/https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/8846227/act-police-boost-patrols-at-canberra-synagogues-jewish-community-centres/ |archive-date=2025-05-02 |access-date=2025-05-02 |website=The Canberra Times |language=en-au}} The Sydney Jewish community organised a demonstration on 15 December 2024, at Martin Place, protesting the Australian government's inadequate response to antisemitism.Panagopoulos, J. (2024). [https://www.theaustralian.com.au/dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaustralian.com.au%2Fnation%2Fmany-in-jewish-community-fear-australia-is-at-a-tipping-point%2Fnews-story%2Fe9de316179018a38e7d29ebb03bd8898 "Many in Jewish community fear Australia is at a ‘tipping point’."] The Australian. 15 December 2024.{{Cite web |last=Glover |first=April |date=2024-12-15 |title=Protesters flood Sydney's CBD after antisemitic attacks |url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/martin-place-rally-against-antisemitism-after-attacks-in-sydney-and-melbourne/5d731d35-e8d0-485c-9e65-f54100174741 |access-date=2025-05-02 |website=9News}}Gusmaroli, D. (2024). [https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailytelegraph.com.au%2Fnews%2Fnsw%2Fhundreds-join-rally-in-martin-place-to-end-antisemitism-in-sydney%2Fnews-story%2Fd3d29e2c35bcbcf84b00e532e5cd4214 "Hundreds join rally in Martin Place to end anti-Semitism in Sydney."] The Daily Telegraph. 15 December 2024. On 17 December 2024, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan announced new measures impacting public protests as part of an effort to prevent antisemitic behaviour.{{Cite news |last=Ore |first=Adeshola |date=2024-12-17 |title=Victoria will legislate to ‘thwart’ protests at places of worship while banning masks and flags |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/dec/17/victoria-protests-legislation-antisemitism-laws-places-of-worship-laws-ban-masks-flags-melbourne-synagogue-fire-ntwnfb |access-date=2025-05-02 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}Alfares, M. (2024). [https://www.theaustralian.com.au/dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaustralian.com.au%2Fnation%2Fapan-blasts-victorian-protest-bans-as-an-attack-on-liberty%2Fnews-story%2F9471860a2f4f6da2824683b09436ac10 "APAN blasts Victorian protest bans as an attack on liberty"] The Australian. 17 December 2024. The proposed laws, would establish safe access in close proximity to places of worship and prohibit disturbances of religious gatherings.{{Cite web |last=McGuirk |first=Rod |date=2024-12-17 |title=Australian state proposes ban on protests at places of worship to fight rising antisemitism |url=https://apnews.com/article/australia-antisemitism-law-places-worship-0df991f4df85c68a4b9cc49d8ec2c6d2 |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=AP News |language=en}}

=Misinformation and conspiracy theories=

Following the attack, Antoun Issa, a former Guardian Australia journalist and chief of staff to Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi, made conspiratorial claims that the attack may have been a "false flag" perpetrated by Zionists. Issa was reportedly reprimanded for his comments and was counselled over the statement.[https://www.theaustralian.com.au/dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaustralian.com.au%2Fnation%2Fpolitics%2Falmost-an-epiphany-on-antisemitism-for-anthony-albanese%2Fnews-story%2F52384644d115cc27b5feb7e3eba63e1b Almost an epiphany on anti-Semitism for Anthony Albanese]. The Australian. 11 December 2024.{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/greens-staffer-reprimanded-for-suggesting-synagogue-arson-may-have-been-false-flag-20241210-p5kxe4.html|title=Greens staffer reprimanded for suggesting synagogue arson may have been 'false flag'|first=Paul|last=Sakkal|newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald|date=11 December 2024|access-date=20 December 2024}} It's important to note however that there are ongoing investigations on some of the reported antisemitic attacks, with Anthony Albanese commenting on the matter suggesting there are actors without ideological commitment being funded.{{Cite web |title=Australia probes suspected foreign funding of anti-Semitic attacks |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/22/australia-probes-suspected-foreign-funding-of-anti-semitic-attacks |access-date=2025-03-04 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=McGuirk |first=Rod |date=2025-01-22 |title=Police investigate whether foreign actors are paying for antisemitic crimes in Australia |url=https://apnews.com/article/australia-antisemitism-sydney-police-commissioner-e13f573ac52d2639a13685743d898d9e |access-date=2025-05-02 |website=AP News |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2025-01-21 |title=AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw antisemitism statement {{!}} Australian Federal Police |url=https://www.afp.gov.au/news-centre/media-statement/afp-commissioner-reece-kershaw-antisemitism-statement |access-date=2025-03-04 |website=www.afp.gov.au |language=en}} A similar conspiratorial statement blaming a Jewish conspiracy for the attack was made by Wissam Haddad (also known as Abu Ousayd), an Islamic preacher in Sydney who previously came under public scrutiny for antisemitic remarks.[https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailytelegraph.com.au%2Fnews%2Fnsw%2Fwissam-haddad-says-attack-on-the-synagogue-was-orchestrated-to-draw-public-sympathy-amid-rising-anti-semitism%2Fnews-story%2Fcde132e7e4e19a0d04641bcc5cc59784 Wissam Haddad says attack on the synagogue was orchestrated to ‘draw public sympathy’ amid rising anti Semitism]. The Daily Telegraph. Accessed 10 January 2025.[https://www.theaustralian.com.au/dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaustralian.com.au%2Fnation%2Fislamic-cleric-wissam-haddad-fronts-court-as-jewish-communitys-milestone-case-begins%2Fnews-story%2Fcff9a2c65b3c5083af5a0885710fd6ed Islamic cleric Wissam Haddad fronts court as Jewish community's milestone case begins]. The Australian. Accessed 10 January 2025. The preacher's statement was criticised by the New South Wales Premier, Chris Minns.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaustralian.com.au%2Fnation%2Fpolitics%2Ffringe-figure-abu-ousayds-rhetoric-unhelpful-after-terror-attack-says-chris-minns%2Fnews-story%2Fab8e57d507daadbf2bf6c92c4e210356|access-date=12 December 2024|website=The Australian|title='Fringe' cleric not helpful, says Minns}}

= Continued targeting of Australian synagogues =

The targeting of Australian synagogues continued after the Melbourne incident with the Southern Sydney Synagogue in Allawah vandalised on 10 January 2025.[https://www.australianjewishnews.com/southern-sydney-synagogue-vandalised-with-swastika-signs/ Southern Sydney synagogue vandalised with swastika signs]. The Australian Jewish News. 10 January 2025.[https://www.theaustralian.com.au/dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaustralian.com.au%2Fnation%2Fbastards-angry-premier-condemns-new-graffiti-attack-on-sydney-synagogue%2Fnews-story%2Fa41711f89663b8cd0764a599762d2aa9 ‘Bastards’: Angry premier condemns new graffiti attack on Sydney synagogue]. The Australian. 10 January 2025.[https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailytelegraph.com.au%2Ftruecrimeaustralia%2Fpolice-courts-nsw%2Fvandals-paint-swastika-signs-on-allawah-synagogue%2Fnews-story%2F205159168b573b5bf1150c48920ecf88 Vandals paint Swastika signs on Southern Sydney Synagogue at Allawah]. The Daily Telegraph. 10 January 2025. The Southern Sydney Synagogue was previously firebombed in 1991.[https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/monstrous-act-sydney-synagogue-vandalised-with-swastikas-20250110-p5l3en.html ‘Monstrous act’: Sydney synagogue vandalised with swastikas]. Sydney Morning Herald. 10 January 2025. And on 11 January 2025, the Newtown Synagogue in Sydney's Inner West was vandalised,[https://www.aap.com.au/news/second-sydney-synagogue-vandalised-with-swastikas/ Second Sydney synagogue vandalised with swastikas]. aap.com.au. 11 January 2025.[https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jan/11/sydney-synagogue-vandalised-swastikas-nsw-premier-ntwnfb Second Sydney synagogue vandalised with swastikas as NSW premier condemns ‘monstrous’ acts]. The Guardian. 11 January 2025.[https://www.jwire.com.au/second-antisemitic-attack-in-24-hours-newtown-synagogue-defaced/ Second antisemitic attack in 24 hours: Newtown Synagogue defaced]. J-wire. 11 January 2025. with the arsonists also attempting to set the synagogue on fire.[https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/news?sq_content_src=%2BdXJsPWh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGZWJpenByZC5wb2xpY2UubnN3Lmdvdi5hdSUyRm1lZGlhJTJGMTE2MjM1Lmh0bWwmYWxsPTE%3D CCTV images issued after graffiti and attempted arson in Sydney's Inner West]. NSW Police. Saturday, 11 January 2025.

Reactions

= Australia =

== Australian Federal Government==

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on a radio interview on 6 December that he was "outraged" at the attack. He revealed that he had been briefed that same day by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) commissioner, and that the attack was deliberate and CCTV footage had shown the two assailants spread an accelerant throughout the building with a broom before setting it alight.{{Cite web |date=2024-12-05 |title=Radio interview - ABC Melbourne {{!}} Prime Minister of Australia |url=https://www.pm.gov.au/media/radio-interview-abc-melbourne-6 |access-date=2024-12-07 |website=www.pm.gov.au |language=en}} Albanese also spoke to the government's special envoy for antisemitism, Jillian Segal, on 6 December.{{Cite news |date=2024-12-08 |title=Dutton vows armed guards at Jewish schools, synagogues after arson — as it happened |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12-09/federal-politics-live-blog-december-9/104700500 |access-date=2024-12-09 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}} On 8 December, Albanese stated the incident was "quite clearly" an act of terrorism, and announced A$32.5 million in federal funding for security upgrades to Jewish schools and community centres.{{Cite news |date=2024-12-08 |title=Albanese says Melbourne synagogue attack 'quite clearly' terrorism |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12-08/pm-says-adass-israel-synagogue-attack-terrorism/104699276 |access-date=2024-12-09 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}{{Cite news |last=Crowley |first=Tom |date=9 December 2024 |title=Political row deepens over synagogue attack as police declare terror investigation |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12-09/political-row-deepens-over-synagogue-attack/104701106 |access-date=2024-12-09 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}} Other governmental bodies to condemn the incident included the Australian Human Rights Commission, which stated: "Antisemitism is abhorrent. It is a form of racism which has no place in Australia. This attack is the latest incident in a trend of significant rises in antisemitism."{{Cite web|url=https://humanrights.gov.au/about/news/media-releases/melbourne-synagogue-arson-attack-condemned-commissioners|title=Melbourne synagogue arson attack condemned by Commissioners|publisher=Australian Human Rights Commission|date=6 December 2024|website=humanrights.gov.au}} In response to the government's condemnation of the attack and the establishment of the dedicated police taskforce, Jillian Segal, Australia's Special Envoy on Antisemitism, pointed to the lack in serious penalties applied to individuals arrested in related events, such as those flying prohibited flags, and that it has set a tone of permissiveness in Australian society.[https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/12/10/travel-warning-issued-for-australia-after-synagogue-arson/ "Travel warning for Jewish visitors to Australia after synagogue arson."]. 1News.co.nz. 10 December 2024.

== Victorian Government ==

Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan condemned the attack as an "evil antisemitic attack".{{Cite web |date=9 December 2024 |title='Evil antisemitic attack': Jacinta Allan responds to synagogue terrorist attack declaration |url=https://www.ntnews.com.au/news/national/evil-antisemitic-attack-jacinta-allan-responds-to-synagogue-terrorist-attack-declaration/video/2ae1059e9049b1b2c24be608538f7230 |access-date=10 December 2024 |website=Sky News Australia}} On 6 December, at a press conference in front of the synagogue, Allan pledged A$100,000 from the state government to fund the rebuilding of the synagogue.{{Cite web |date=6 December 2024 |title=Victorian Premier pledges $100,000 to help rebuild synagogue after arson attack |url=https://www.ntnews.com.au/news/national/victorian-premier-pledges-100000-to-help-rebuild-synagogue-after-arson-attack/video/04e4be3ad8218b7bb4e76ec20d3ac198 |website=Sky News Australia}} While at the site, the premier was heckled by local Jewish residents.McMillan, A., C. Jaeger and M. Bachelard (2024). [https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/jacinta-allan-labels-synagogue-firebombing-an-act-to-strike-terror-20241208-p5kwo0.html "‘Back bigger and better’: Hundreds rally near firebombed synagogue, vowing to rebuild."] The Age. 8 December 2024. Accessed 15 December 2024. Allan returned unannounced to the site several days later where she was shown the portion of the site destroyed by the firebombing.Kearns, B. (2024). [https://www.theaustralian.com.au/dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaustralian.com.au%2Fnation%2Fthe-premier-spoke-with-community-leaders-inside-the-burntout-adass-israel-synagogue%2Fnews-story%2F221e300bd50493e9ae8f896edea5109c "Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan ‘emotional’ at firebombed Adass Israel Synagogue."] The Australian. 13 December 2024. Similarly, the incident was condemned by local elected officials.{{Cite web|url=https://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/about-the-council/news-and-media/statement-on-adass-israel-firebombing|title=Statement on Adass Israel firebombing - City of Port Phillip|website=www.portphillip.vic.gov.au}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/about-council/news/latest-news/statement-from-the-mayor-condemning-antisemitic-attack-on-adass-israel-synagogue|title=Statement from the Mayor condemning antisemitic attack on Adass Israel Synagogue|website=www.gleneira.vic.gov.au}}

== Liberal Party of Australia ==

Federal Leader of the Opposition, Peter Dutton, said the attack was abhorrent, and that it was to be expected due to what he sees as a lack of compassion for the Jewish people from the Albanese government.{{Cite web|url=https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/politics/unacceptable-peter-dutton-condemns-synagogue-arson-attack/video/356764fe0fc135dd99a0cc051135ae13|title='Unacceptable': Peter Dutton condemns synagogue arson attack | Sky News Australia}} Dutton also stated that the funding announced by the federal government on 8 December should be allowed to be used to fund armed guards for Jewish schools and community centres.

== Australian Jewish community groups ==

The Executive Council of Australian Jewry called for the Australian government to address the incident with action and not merely words, stating "“We ask you, Prime Minister, to reflect on how this has been allowed to occur. We ask you to reflect on how the conditions in which a synagogue can be set alight have been allowed to develop. Your words swiftly condemning the attack were heard by our community. However, the time for mere words has long passed. We now call for action."{{Cite web|url=https://www.jwire.com.au/crisis-point-ecaj-calls-for-action/|title=Crisis point - ECAJ calls for action|first=Henry|last=Benjamin|date=8 December 2024|website=J-Wire}} The Jewish Community Council of Victoria condemned the attack; JCCV CEO Naomi Levin stated: “We were absolutely shocked, but not surprised, to hear that a synagogue here in Melbourne had been attacked overnight. The Jewish community has been warning about an unacceptable rise in antisemitism for more than a year. We hoped it would never come to this, but today, our fears have been realised.”{{Cite web |title=JCCV Condemns Heinous Attack on Melbourne Synagogue – JCCV |url=https://jccv.org.au/jccv-condemns-heinous-attack-on-melbourne-synagogue/ |access-date=2024-12-09 |language=en-AU}} The Jewish Council of Australia issued a statement condemning the attack, stating, "This reprehensible act of violence is an attack not only on the synagogue but on Jewish communities more broadly."{{Cite web |title=Firebombing of Melbourne synagogue is an attack on all of us |url=https://www.jewishcouncil.com.au/media/firebombing-of-melbourne-synagogue-is-an-attack-on-all-of-us |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=Jewish Council of Australia}} The Jewish Council also condemned efforts by a senior staffer from the Australian Greens to label the attack as a false flag, as the claim would only deepen antisemitic sentiment.{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/greens-staffer-reprimanded-for-suggesting-synagogue-arson-may-have-been-false-flag-20241210-p5kxe4.html|title=Greens staffer reprimanded for suggesting synagogue arson may have been 'false flag'|first=Paul|last=Sakkal|date=11 December 2024|website=The Sydney Morning Herald}} The Australian Jewish Association released a statement in which they felt 'outraged' but not surprised due to their view that Australian Jews had been abandoned by the Albanese government.

== Religious leaders ==

The attack was condemned by the Victorian Multicultural Commission's multifaith advisory group, stating: "Places of worship hold profound meaning for people of faith. The right to feel safe and free to worship in these sacred spaces is fundamental and must be respected and protected. We stand together to promote understanding, respect and harmony among all faith communities and people of goodwill. We assure them of our loving prayers and meditation."{{Cite web|url=https://www.multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au/statement-synagogue-fire-melbourne-vmc-multifaith-advisory-group|title=Statement on synagogue fire, Melbourne from the VMC Multifaith Advisory Group|date=6 December 2024|website=www.multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au}} Separately, the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne condemned the attack, stating that "A peaceful place of worship has been violated—nothing can justify such violence. Antisemitism has no place in our society. We stand in prayerful solidarity with members of the Jewish community at this time."{{Cite web |last=Comini |first=Rebecca |date=2024-12-08 |title=Melbourne Archdiocese condemns firebomb attack on synagogue |url=https://cathnews.com/2024/12/09/melbourne-archdiocese-condemns-firebomb-attack-on-synagogue/ |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=CathNews |language=en-AU}}{{cite web | url=https://melbournecatholic.org/news/statement-from-the-catholic-archdiocese-of-melbourne | title=Statement from the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne }} And the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) condemned the attack, stating: “Such acts of hatred and violence must be met with a swift and firm response from law enforcement. We urge the authorities to thoroughly investigate this matter and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”{{Cite web|url=https://afic.com.au/2024/12/afic-condemns-attack-on-melbourne-synagogue/|title=AFIC Condemns Attack on Melbourne Synagogue - AFIC - Australian Federation of Islamic Councils|date=6 December 2024}} Nationally, the attack was condemned by the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA), stating: "It is for all of us to step up as peacemakers and commit to upholding the safety and harmony of our multi-cultural and multi-faith society in Australia."{{Cite web|url=https://www.ncca.org.au/news/latest-news/item/3493-ncca-condemns-attack-on-melbourne-synagogue-2024112|title=NCCA condemns attack on Melbourne synagogue|first=Noelene|last=Osora|website=www.ncca.org.au}} And the event was described in a statement by Anglican Archbishop of Sydney, who condemned an antisemitic attack in Sydney, stating: "The latest attack on the Jewish community in Sydney is egregious, cowardly and despicable. All people of good will, faith or none, will condemn this outrage. It follows the terrorist attack on the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne, and more than a year of increasing hostility and intimidation of the Australian Jewish community in multiple, grotesque ways."{{Cite web|url=https://acl.asn.au/antisemitic-attacks-statement-from-the-archbishop-of-sydney/|title=Antisemitic attacks — Statement from the Archbishop of Sydney : Anglican Church League, Sydney, Australia}}

== Others ==

On 7 December, former Liberal MP Josh Frydenberg and former Labor senator Nova Peris called at a press conference for the federal government to declare the event a terrorist attack.{{Cite web |last1=Kirk |first1=Emma |last2=Evans |first2=Duncan |date=2024-12-07 |title=Josh Frydenberg and Nova Peris tell Prime Minister to 'step up' after Synagogue firebombing |url=https://www.news.com.au/national/politics/australias-special-envoy-to-combat-antisemitism-issues-major-call-as-world-leaders-condemn-despicable-synagogue-attack/news-story/d3a7f66527048aa8a703780170c03a35 |website=www.news.com.au}} Frydenberg said that Jewish Australians were now talking openly about leaving the country and that young Jews are forced to conceal their faith and ethnicity for fear of attack. Peris called the attack 'totally deplorable'. Other civic and religious groups to condemn the attack included a group of eighteen Turkish-Australian religious and secular organisations from New South Wales,Demetriadi, A. (2024). [https://www.theaustralian.com.au/dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaustralian.com.au%2Fnation%2Fturkish-community-barracks-for-embattled-jewish-australians%2Fnews-story%2F9532dc99f4b3a5a36336485948d40375 "Turkish community barracks for embattled Jewish Australians."] The Australian. 16 December 2024. and the Human Rights Law Centre.[https://www.hrlc.org.au/news/2024/12/16/antisemitism-condemned "The Human Rights Law Centre condemns Adass Israel Synagogue attack and rising antisemitism."] The Human Rights Law Centre. 16 December 2024.

= Israel =

Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu criticised the Albanese government following the incident, linking the event to Australia's position on the Middle East.{{Cite web |title=Labor minister hits back at Israeli PM drawing link between UN vote and synagogue burning |url=https://www.sbs.com.au:443/news/article/labor-minister-hits-back-at-israeli-pm-drawing-link-between-un-vote-and-synagogue-burning/pt74fwb26 |access-date=2024-12-07 |website=SBS News |language=en}} President Isaac Herzog said that he has spoken with Albanese about the attack, and had told Albanese that the recent antisemitic attacks required 'strong and firm action'.

= United States of America =

On 10 December 2024, the Simon Wiesenthal Center issued a travel warning for Jews visiting Australia, advising them to exercise "extreme caution" and that they were "not convinced that Jews are safe [in Australia]".{{Cite web |date=2024-12-10 |title=Travel warning for Jewish people visiting Australia after synagogue attack |url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/simon-wiesenthal-centre-australian-travel-warning-over-synagogue-attack/ceaaf4ce-5714-40ea-93d9-603a04bb6be8 |access-date=2024-12-10 |website=Nine News Australia}}

= United Kingdom =

Six members of the UK Parliament sponsored a motion for the parliament to condemn the arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue and to acknowledge that trends of antisemitism have also unfolded in the UK. The motion calls on the UK government to address antisemitism both at home and abroad and to provide funding to secure synagogues and Jewish schools.[https://edm.parliament.uk/early-day-motion/62874/attack-on-adass-israel-synagogue-melbourne "Attack on Adass Israel Synagogue, Melbourne."] UK Parliament. 10 December 2024. Accessed 15 December 2024.