Worshippers flee as synagogue set on fire
About 20 people fled when a man doused the front of the East Melbourne Synagogue in a flammable liquid and set it alight around 8pm on Friday, Victoria Police said.
Everyone inside was able to evacuate through the back of the synagogue and there are no reports of injuries.
Firefighters contained blaze to the front of the building.
"Police are still working to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the fire including the motivation behind the incident," a Victoria Police spokesperson said.
"There is absolutely no place in our society for antisemitic or hate-based behaviour."
The force is working with people from the synagogue and other representatives from the Jewish community to ensure they have appropriate supports.
The East Melbourne Synagogue is located close to Victoria's parliament in the heart of the city. The suspect was last seen fleeing down Albert Street towards the CBD.
It comes seven months after a devastating fire at the Adass Israel Synagogue at Ripponlea in the city's south.
Two of the synagogue's three buildings were destroyed in the early-morning blaze, which also forced members of the congregation to flee.
No charges have been laid however counter-terrorism police have raided multiple properties as part of that investigation.
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