Tony Burke says Melbourne synagogue fire an ‘attack on Australia' as NSW man charged over incident
A 34-year-old man from New South Wales has appeared in court, charged over allegedly entering the grounds of the East Melbourne Hebrew congregation on Albert Street at about 8pm on Friday, pouring a flammable liquid on the front door of the building and setting it on fire.
The home affairs minister, Tony Burke, travelled to Melbourne on Sunday morning to meet with Jewish leaders and the synagogue's Rabbi Dovid Gutnick, and said the attacks harmed not only the Jewish community, but the broader Australian community, as well.
'[This] is not simply an arson attack; what matters here is there is an attack on Australia, an attack on Australian values. And we are here today in solidarity to stand together with the community,' he said.
'This government, including [former attorney-general] Mark Dreyfus in the last term of parliament, has taken the strongest actions Australia has ever taken in making hate symbols unlawful, in making calls for violence and hate speech have serious criminal penalties. But the job of making sure we eliminate antisemitism belongs to every single one of us.'
Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email
State police have not confirmed if two other attacks that took place on Friday night are linked.
Burke also confirmed he had spoken to Israel's ambassador to Australia, who thanked him for travelling to Melbourne to visit the synagogue and condemning the attack.
Earlier on Sunday, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the attacks 'reprehensible' in a series of posts on X.
'The reprehensible antisemitic attacks, with calls of 'Death to the IDF' and an attempt to attack a place of worship, are severe hate crimes that must be uprooted.
'The State of Israel will continue to stand alongside the Australian Jewish community, and we demand that the Australian government take all action to deal with the rioters to the fullest extent of the law and prevent similar attacks in the future.'
Netanyahu was joined on social media by Israeli president Isaac Herzog, who overnight said on X that he 'condemn[ed] outright the vile arson attack targeting Jews in Melbourne's historic and oldest synagogue on the Sabbath' and that the attack must be Australia's 'last'.
'It is intolerable that in 2025, we are still faced with the chilling image of an attempt to burn Jews alive as they pray, and attacks on Jewish businesses,' he said, urging the government to confront the 'stain' of antisemitism with 'urgency and resolve'.
Foreign minister for Israel, Gideon Sa'ar, said on Saturday via X that Israel 'stands firmly with the Jewish community in Australia' and that the Australian government 'must do more to fight this poisonous disease'.
Sarah Schwartz, executive officer of the Jewish Council of Australia, condemned the arson attack and said attacks on synagogues were 'attacks on the entire Jewish community', adding that the council stood in solidarity with those affected.
Sign up to Breaking News Australia
Get the most important news as it breaks
after newsletter promotion
'All people are entitled to practise their religion in safety,' she told Guardian Australia on Sunday. She said the act of antisemitism had been 'used for political gain, to smear the Palestine solidarity movement'.
'These responses fuel division. We urge politicians not to engage in kneejerk responses, and to instead support grassroots efforts between communities to combat racism.'
Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said the events were a 'severe escalation' and that the antisemitism crisis was 'getting worse'.
'Those who chant for death are not peace activists. Those who would burn houses of prayer with families inside do not seek an end to war. There is a violent ideology at work in our country that operates on the fringes of politics and social movements, that taps into anger and prejudice,' he said in a statement.
Opposition communications spokesperson Melissa McIntosh told the ABC Insiders program on Sunday 'something needs to be done' to prevent ongoing attacks.
McIntosh also described the incident as an attack on 'all Australians' and pushed the Albanese government to better protect the Jewish community in Australia.
'Why isn't [Albanese] convening national cabinet and bringing the states together with urgency to address this issue? There's a number of things that the government could be doing yet,' she said.
'We're sitting here today discussing another horrible attack where there are kids inside the synagogue. The person lit the synagogue, a place of worship, when families were inside. That is such a disgusting attack, a hateful attack on Australians.'
Burke said now was a moment for 'unity', and he would not comment on whether the government would call a national cabinet meeting in response to the attack.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
16 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
How to spot a deadly mushroom - as Erin Patterson is found guilty of murdering her family with a death cap-laced beef wellington
The deadly dangers of mushroom poisoning have been laid bare after a shocking case where an Australian woman used them to kill a trio of her family members. Erin Patterson was today found guilty of murdering her parents-in-law Don and Gail Patterson and her husband's aunt Heather Wilkinson as well as the attempted murder of Heather's husband Pastor Ian Wilkinson. The three died after they ate beef Wellingtons made with lethal 'death cap' mushrooms, while Mr Wilkinson survived after weeks of agony. Patterson, a mother-of-two, served the deadly meal to her guests at her home in Leongatha, in South Gippsland, Victoria on July 29, 2023. After a 10-week trial, a jury has now concluded she poisoned her guests on purpose, delivering a 'guilty' verdict. Patterson had claimed she had bought the dried mushrooms used in her beef Wellington from an Asian grocer in Melbourne 's south-east. Health officials have long warned of the risks of foraging for mushrooms, with the poisons in some of the most dangerous wild mushrooms not destroyed by cooking. NHS data seen by MailOnline shows there were 63 admissions for eating toxic mushrooms in NHS hospitals last year, 46 of them emergencies. There are 15,000 reported types of fungi found in the UK, according to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). Generally, mushrooms with white gills, white rings or skirts around the base are warning signs and should be avoided, says Wild Food UK. Equally, red colouring on mushrooms including the stem, pores or cap could indicate toxicity. Now, this website now details how to spot a potentially deadly mushroom. EDIBLE MUSHROOMS Scotch bonnet or fairy ring mushroom (Marasmius oreades) The fairy ring mushroom, scientifically known as Marasmius oreades, is a common sight on lawns, meadows, and pastures in summer and autumn. The fungi is known for its unique growth pattern, often forming arcs or circles called fairy rings. Although small, it can usually be found in large numbers, according to Wild Food UK, which describes it as a 'great-tasting gourmet mushroom'. Bay bolete (Imleria badia) Bay bolete's scientific name, Badia, means chestnut brown and refers to the colour of its cap, the Woodland Trust says. It describes it as an 'excellent edible mushroom'. While the flesh is white or slightly yellow, the stem is smooth. On the cap underside are small yellowish pores that bruise bluish-grey when injured or pressed. It is common in spruce and pine forests and occasionally appears also under oak, beech and chestnut trees. Giant puffball (Calvatia gigantea) The Calvatia gigantea, commonly known as the giant puffball, is a colossal fungi found in meadows, the RSPB say. Young puffballs have soft clean white skin and firm flesh when cut. According to Wild Food UK, it is the safest mushroom in the UK for novice foragers and they are best eaten when young. Chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius) This rich-yellow fungi, shaped like a funnel, develops a wavy, turned-under edge with age. Known scientifically as Cantharellus cibarius, it is often found in woods, particularly beech and oak, the Woodland Trust says. It calls it a 'prized ingredient' and 'forager's favourite'. Reportedly used by chefs all over the world, it is among the most popular types of wild edible mushrooms and the most commonly consumed of all mushrooms. Saffron Milkcap (Lactarius deliciosus) Bleeding a bright carrot-orange liquid when cut, the Saffron Milkcap is more common in northern England and Scotland, where it is found in pine woodlands. The edible mushroom should be cooked and tends to keep good texture after cooking. The poisonous Woolly Milkcap — Lactarius torminosus — does look similar to the Saffron Milkcap, but it has hairs on the edge of its cap, Wild Food UK caution. POISONOUS MUSHROOMS Death Caps (Amanita phalloides) Amanita Phalloides, or the death cap, is one of the world's most poisonous fungi. Just eating a few mouthfuls of the 'harmless looking' death cap mushroom can kill, according to the RSPB. They often grow near established oak trees, and are found when there is warm, wet weather. Native to Europe, it is common in most parts of the UK and Ireland. The fungi stand out due to the pale green colouring of their caps, a bulbous end at the foot of the stalk and an annulus - a ring-like collar - at the top. Destroying Angel (Amanita virosa) This ghostly white mushroom is more lethal than the death cap, Wild Food UK warns. Often found in woody upland areas, the Destroying Angel can often be found in Scotland. But according to the Woodland Trust, just one of these offending mushrooms in a bowl of soup is said to be potent enough to kill anyone who has a spoonful. There is no known antidote. Just a small amount can lead to serious vomiting and diarrhoea which can last for a few days before appearing to ease. But sufferers may experience a deceiving period of improvement, before the effects of liver and kidney poisoning occur. Fool's funnel (Clitocybe rivulosa) The Fool's funnel is also often known as the sweating mushroom — describing its potentially deadly effects — the Woodland Trust says. It often grows on lawns and meadows alongside the edible Scotch bonnet, causing confusion. While eating it is rarely fatal, in large doses it can cause abdominal pain, sickness, diarrhoea and blurred vision. Panthercap (Amanita pantherina) This pox-crusted fungus, found under oak and beech trees, is fiercely poisonous. The Panther Cap's cap is dark brown and covered in thick white scales or 'warts', Wild Food UK says. Under its cap are white, thin papery gills. People can expect to experience intense sickness and extremely vivid hallucinations, according to the Woodland Trust. In rare cases, the fungi can also prove fatal. Fool's conecap (Pholiotina rugosa) Pholiotina rugosa, commonly known as the Fool's conecap has a smooth, shiny, brown cap around 2cm wide. The fungi could be found in the garden, the Woodland Trust say, as it grows in leaf litter, rotting woodchip piles, sawdust, rich soil and compost. Like the death cap, fool's conecap contains deadly alpha-amanitin which is highly toxic to the liver when ingested.
The Independent
33 minutes ago
- The Independent
Australian state to set up anti-hate task force after Melbourne synagogue arson
Australia 's Victoria state will set up an anti-hate task force to tackle violent protests following a spike in antisemitism in the country. The task force, which would include the premier, state police minister, Melbourne mayor and the police, will gather for its first meeting this week, according to reports. The announcement came after a synagogue in East Melbourne while 20 worshipers were inside was set fire on Friday night. The congregation escaped unharmed through a rear door, and firefighters managed to contain the blaze to the entrance area of the 148-year-old building. Police over the weekend arrested and charged a 34-year-old man in connection with the alleged arson. His identity, however, has been withheld by the authorities. The suspect was charged with offences including criminal damage by fire. Police said the man allegedly poured a flammable liquid on the front door and set it on fire before fleeing. 'Detectives will continue to examine the intent and ideology of the person charged to determine if the incident is in fact terrorism,' police said. "Just as the fire came to the front door here of this (synagogue), it was stopped. So too must we put a stop to antisemitism," Victoria state premier Jacinta Allan told reporters. "Not only does it have no place here in Melbourne and Victoria, it has no place anywhere." She said the government is consulting experts while drafting a bill to ban face masks, display of terror symbols and devices used by protesters to attach themselves to objects that makes it difficult for police to remove them. Ms Allan said the Jewish community representatives will be invited to attend the meeting of the anti-hate task force. Recent months have seen an escalation of attacks on synagogues, buildings and cars of Jewish community members across the country, including the discovery of a caravan laden with explosives with a list of Jewish targets in Sydney. The rise in antisemitic incidents began following Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu 's war on Gaza in October 2023. Mr Netanyahu, in a post on X, said: "I view with utmost gravity the antisemitic attacks that occurred last night in Melbourne, which included attempted arson of a synagogue in the city and a violent assault against an Israeli restaurant by pro-Palestinian rioters." 'The reprehensible antisemitic attacks, with calls of 'Death to the IDF' and an attempt to attack a place of worship, are severe hate crimes that must be uprooted. Earlier in January, a home in Sydney previously owned by a senior Jewish community leader was vandalised, two cars were set on fire, and a Jewish school and two other properties in Sydney were sprayed with antisemitic slurs. Melbourne's Adass synagogue, built by holocaust survivors in the 1960s, suffered widespread damage last year after a fire that injured one. In the wake of the incidents, Australia in February passed anti-hate crime laws under which a Nazi salute in public, among other similar offences, will be punishable by a mandatory jail sentence. The laws will impose jail sentences between 12 months for less serious hate crimes, such as giving a Nazi salute in public, and six years for those found guilty of terrorism offences.
The Guardian
an hour ago
- The Guardian
Queensland zoo to reopen two days after woman loses arm to lioness
A woman has lost her arm after being attacked on Sunday at a Queensland zoo by a lioness, which the zoo insists 'was not hungry' or maltreated. Queensland's health minister, Tim Nicholls, confirmed that the woman, who is in her 50s, had 'lost her arm' in the attack, which took place at about 8.32am on Sunday at the Darling Downs zoo, south of Toowoomba. 'I got a report this morning, so she has had surgery, and she is recovering well in the PA [Princess Alexandra] hospital,' Nicholls said on Monday morning. 'And unfortunately, she has lost her arm.' She was in a stable condition in hospital on Monday evening. Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email In a Facebook post on Monday afternoon, Darling Downs zoo said the victim was 'not an employee, a keeper or a zoo visitor', but 'a much-loved member of the zoo owners' family'. In a post on Sunday, they said the woman had been 'watching keepers working in the carnivore precinct', something they said she had 'done many, many times over the past 20 years'. 'It has still not been possible to interview her to establish what led to this tragic incident,' the zoo wrote in the Monday post, adding that there was no plan for the animal to be put down. 'We can confirm that she was attacked by a lioness. She was not in its enclosure.' The zoo emphasised in the post that the animal 'was not hungry, skinny, taunted or tortured'. 'A full investigation has been carried out by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland,' they went on. 'As a result the Darling Downs zoo will reopen at 9am tomorrow [Tuesday] morning.' A spokesperson from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland said on Monday evening that the incident was 'still an ongoing and active WHSQ investigation'. 'WHSQ inspectors have issued a number of compliance notices to the business to ensure compliance with WHS legislation.' In a Facebook post published on Sunday, the zoo had previously said the animal did not leave its enclosure during the attack and 'there was no risk at all to staff members or members of the public'. The zoo did not respond to questions on Monday afternoon as to whether additional steps had been taken to improve safety at the facility. Sign up to Breaking News Australia Get the most important news as it breaks after newsletter promotion Darling Downs zoo turns 20 this year. In a Facebook post published on Sunday, the zoo said the animal did not leave its enclosure during the attack and 'there was no risk at all to staff members or members of the public'. The zoo plans to reopen at the normal time of 9am tomorrow. It did not respond to questions about what steps had been taken to improve safety at the facility. A spokesperson from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland said the organisation is continuing its investigation into the incident. It did not confirm whether it had approved the reopening plans. Nationals leader and Queensland MP David Littleproud said on Monday that the attack was a 'tragic incident' but that Darling Downs zoo had operated safely for 'many, many years'. 'We need to understand and appreciate the circumstances that led to this before we make any judgment and allow that to happen in the right environment,' he said. Littleproud encouraged locals to continue to visit the zoo, 'which will need support from the community during this difficult time'. 'As someone that's a local to that part of the world, it's shocked much of the community, and it's a very important economic part of our part of Queensland. So our thoughts are with them and the zoo today.' It is not the first big cat attack at a Queensland site in recent months. Dreamworld reportedly ended human interaction with its tigers after an attack on a handler in September 2024.
