Latest news with #DanielAghion
SBS Australia
5 days ago
- Business
- SBS Australia
No antisemitism taskforce planned says Albanese
In this bulletin; Jewish leaders call for a national taskforce to tackle antisemitism; Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu hold ceasefire talks at the White House; And in sport, Alex de Minaur goes down to Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon quarter final. Australia's Jewish community is calling for more action from the federal government to combat antisemitism, following a string of attacks targeting the community over the weekend. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry is urging the government to adopt a 15-point action plan including the establishment of a national task force focused on antisemitism. The council's president Daniel Aghion also asked Victorian authorities to ban weekly pro-Palestine protests in their current form, and bring in protest zones instead. Police have arrested 34-year-old man Angelo Loras for arson over the alleged firebombing of the East Melbourne synagogue on Saturday night. The same evening, a group of protesters disrupted diners and damaged property at Israeli restaurant Miznon. The protest group says they had nothing to with the attack on the synagogue. Economists are tipping the Reserve Bank will deliver its third interest rate cut of the year when it meets this afternoon. Money markets have priced in a 75 per cent chance official interest rates will fall to 3.6 per cent. Analysts say this is because both headline and underlying inflation are firmly within the Reserve Bank's 2 to 3 per cent target band. Rabobank Senior Strategist Benjamin Picton says that is a result of lower demand. "Business are telling us there is not enough demand out there to soak up higher prices, so they no longer have pricing power, they no longer have the ability to pass on cost increases, so as a result we are starting to see discounting popping up in certain sectors of the economy, most notably home construction costs, we're starting to see discounting there." United States President Donald Trump has held a dinner for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. The pair are meeting with top security aides to discuss the latest U-S backed Gaza ceasefire proposal. The US-backed plan includes a 60-day ceasefire during which Hamas would hand over more hostages, Israeli forces would withdraw to a buffer zone, and more aid would be allowed into Gaza. In answer to questions about the possibility of a two-state solution, Mr Netanyahu said, he believed peace could be achieved in the region. "I think that Palestinians should have power to govern, but not the power to threaten us. And that means that certain powers like our security will always remain in our hands. Now, that is a fact. And no-one in Israel will allow or agree to anything else, because we don't commit suicide. We want life. We cherish life. For ourselves, for our neighbours and I think that we can work out a peace between us and the entire Middle East with President Trump's leadership." Mr Netanyahu also announced he has nominated Mr Trump for a Nobel Peace Price, saying the President has forged peace in one country after another. The United Nations General Assembly has voted to adopt a resolution highlighting the plight of women and girls and decline of human rights under the Taliban in Afghanistan. 116 countries voted for the resolution, introduced by Germany, and 12 abstained. The United States and Israel voted against it. Naseer Ahmad Faiq is the Chargé d'Affaires of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to the United Nations. His government was in power from 2004 before it was toppled by the Taliban in 2021. 'Mr. President, Afghanistan is at a crossroads. Since August 2021, the country has experienced alarming regression across all sectors—social, political, economic, and human rights. Nearly four years under Taliban rule have driven Afghanistan into one of the world's gravest humanitarian and human rights crises, as extensively documented by the Secretary-General and the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan.' Last week, Russia became the first country to formally recognise the Taliban's government in Afghanistan. Novak Djokovic reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals, defeating Australian Alex de Minaur. After losing the first set in just 31 minutes, the Serb won the next three sets 6-4 each. After the match, de Minaur admitted he needed to lift his game, in order to match the top-ranked players. Djokovic has now won 43 of his last 45 matches at Wimbledon and not since 2017 has he failed to reach the final.
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Jewish Australians call for national anti-hate unit
Australia's Jewish community is pushing the federal government to set up a national task force to curb anti-Semitism. A Victorian task force will examine police powers after a spate of anti-Semitic incidents in Melbourne in recent days, including an alleged arson on the East Melbourne Synagogue that forced 20 worshippers inside to flee. Sydney man Angelo Loras, 34, has been charged over the fire, which occurred seven months after the city's Adass Israel Synagogue was damaged in what authorities have alleged was arson. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry, an umbrella group for the nation's Jews, feared further anti-Semitic attacks and said more than state-based action was needed. It urged the federal government to adopt a 15-point action plan including the establishment of a national task force to clamp down on anti-Semitism. "I don't know where the next attack will be or when or how, all I can say is that it is statistically likely that it will occur," the council's president Daniel Aghion said. "So far, we have been lucky in that no one has died." He urged Victorian authorities to disallow weekly pro-Palestine protests in their current form and bring in protest zones, after a group on Friday night damaged an Israeli restaurant following a rally. In that incident, a restaurant window was smashed, tables flipped and chairs thrown as police directed the group to leave the area. One person was arrested for hindering police. The Jewish Council of Australia denounced the synagogue attack but said it was "irresponsible and inflammatory to link this anti-Semitic act with separate protest actions". "Such language inaccurately conflates Jewishness with support for Israel, and undermines the fight against real anti-Semitism," executive council member Ohad Kozminsky said. Late on Friday, a group spray-painted cars with anti-Semitic "inferences" then set them alight in the city's northeast. A fourth incident involved stencils used to spray paint offensive images on pillars and walls near a Holocaust museum in the suburb of Elsternwick. Victorian police have not declared the incidents as related to terrorism but are working alongside counter-terrorism officers. The attacks, which have draw the ire of Israel, were condemned by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who said those responsible must face the full force of the law. Australia's Jewish community is pushing the federal government to set up a national task force to curb anti-Semitism. A Victorian task force will examine police powers after a spate of anti-Semitic incidents in Melbourne in recent days, including an alleged arson on the East Melbourne Synagogue that forced 20 worshippers inside to flee. Sydney man Angelo Loras, 34, has been charged over the fire, which occurred seven months after the city's Adass Israel Synagogue was damaged in what authorities have alleged was arson. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry, an umbrella group for the nation's Jews, feared further anti-Semitic attacks and said more than state-based action was needed. It urged the federal government to adopt a 15-point action plan including the establishment of a national task force to clamp down on anti-Semitism. "I don't know where the next attack will be or when or how, all I can say is that it is statistically likely that it will occur," the council's president Daniel Aghion said. "So far, we have been lucky in that no one has died." He urged Victorian authorities to disallow weekly pro-Palestine protests in their current form and bring in protest zones, after a group on Friday night damaged an Israeli restaurant following a rally. In that incident, a restaurant window was smashed, tables flipped and chairs thrown as police directed the group to leave the area. One person was arrested for hindering police. The Jewish Council of Australia denounced the synagogue attack but said it was "irresponsible and inflammatory to link this anti-Semitic act with separate protest actions". "Such language inaccurately conflates Jewishness with support for Israel, and undermines the fight against real anti-Semitism," executive council member Ohad Kozminsky said. Late on Friday, a group spray-painted cars with anti-Semitic "inferences" then set them alight in the city's northeast. A fourth incident involved stencils used to spray paint offensive images on pillars and walls near a Holocaust museum in the suburb of Elsternwick. Victorian police have not declared the incidents as related to terrorism but are working alongside counter-terrorism officers. The attacks, which have draw the ire of Israel, were condemned by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who said those responsible must face the full force of the law. Australia's Jewish community is pushing the federal government to set up a national task force to curb anti-Semitism. A Victorian task force will examine police powers after a spate of anti-Semitic incidents in Melbourne in recent days, including an alleged arson on the East Melbourne Synagogue that forced 20 worshippers inside to flee. Sydney man Angelo Loras, 34, has been charged over the fire, which occurred seven months after the city's Adass Israel Synagogue was damaged in what authorities have alleged was arson. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry, an umbrella group for the nation's Jews, feared further anti-Semitic attacks and said more than state-based action was needed. It urged the federal government to adopt a 15-point action plan including the establishment of a national task force to clamp down on anti-Semitism. "I don't know where the next attack will be or when or how, all I can say is that it is statistically likely that it will occur," the council's president Daniel Aghion said. "So far, we have been lucky in that no one has died." He urged Victorian authorities to disallow weekly pro-Palestine protests in their current form and bring in protest zones, after a group on Friday night damaged an Israeli restaurant following a rally. In that incident, a restaurant window was smashed, tables flipped and chairs thrown as police directed the group to leave the area. One person was arrested for hindering police. The Jewish Council of Australia denounced the synagogue attack but said it was "irresponsible and inflammatory to link this anti-Semitic act with separate protest actions". "Such language inaccurately conflates Jewishness with support for Israel, and undermines the fight against real anti-Semitism," executive council member Ohad Kozminsky said. Late on Friday, a group spray-painted cars with anti-Semitic "inferences" then set them alight in the city's northeast. A fourth incident involved stencils used to spray paint offensive images on pillars and walls near a Holocaust museum in the suburb of Elsternwick. Victorian police have not declared the incidents as related to terrorism but are working alongside counter-terrorism officers. The attacks, which have draw the ire of Israel, were condemned by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who said those responsible must face the full force of the law. Australia's Jewish community is pushing the federal government to set up a national task force to curb anti-Semitism. A Victorian task force will examine police powers after a spate of anti-Semitic incidents in Melbourne in recent days, including an alleged arson on the East Melbourne Synagogue that forced 20 worshippers inside to flee. Sydney man Angelo Loras, 34, has been charged over the fire, which occurred seven months after the city's Adass Israel Synagogue was damaged in what authorities have alleged was arson. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry, an umbrella group for the nation's Jews, feared further anti-Semitic attacks and said more than state-based action was needed. It urged the federal government to adopt a 15-point action plan including the establishment of a national task force to clamp down on anti-Semitism. "I don't know where the next attack will be or when or how, all I can say is that it is statistically likely that it will occur," the council's president Daniel Aghion said. "So far, we have been lucky in that no one has died." He urged Victorian authorities to disallow weekly pro-Palestine protests in their current form and bring in protest zones, after a group on Friday night damaged an Israeli restaurant following a rally. In that incident, a restaurant window was smashed, tables flipped and chairs thrown as police directed the group to leave the area. One person was arrested for hindering police. The Jewish Council of Australia denounced the synagogue attack but said it was "irresponsible and inflammatory to link this anti-Semitic act with separate protest actions". "Such language inaccurately conflates Jewishness with support for Israel, and undermines the fight against real anti-Semitism," executive council member Ohad Kozminsky said. Late on Friday, a group spray-painted cars with anti-Semitic "inferences" then set them alight in the city's northeast. A fourth incident involved stencils used to spray paint offensive images on pillars and walls near a Holocaust museum in the suburb of Elsternwick. Victorian police have not declared the incidents as related to terrorism but are working alongside counter-terrorism officers. The attacks, which have draw the ire of Israel, were condemned by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who said those responsible must face the full force of the law.
Perth Now
5 days ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
Jewish Australians call for national anti-hate unit
Australia's Jewish community is pushing the federal government to set up a national task force to curb anti-Semitism. A Victorian task force will examine police powers after a spate of anti-Semitic incidents in Melbourne in recent days, including an alleged arson on the East Melbourne Synagogue that forced 20 worshippers inside to flee. Sydney man Angelo Loras, 34, has been charged over the fire, which occurred seven months after the city's Adass Israel Synagogue was damaged in what authorities have alleged was arson. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry, an umbrella group for the nation's Jews, feared further anti-Semitic attacks and said more than state-based action was needed. It urged the federal government to adopt a 15-point action plan including the establishment of a national task force to clamp down on anti-Semitism. "I don't know where the next attack will be or when or how, all I can say is that it is statistically likely that it will occur," the council's president Daniel Aghion said. "So far, we have been lucky in that no one has died." He urged Victorian authorities to disallow weekly pro-Palestine protests in their current form and bring in protest zones, after a group on Friday night damaged an Israeli restaurant following a rally. In that incident, a restaurant window was smashed, tables flipped and chairs thrown as police directed the group to leave the area. One person was arrested for hindering police. The Jewish Council of Australia denounced the synagogue attack but said it was "irresponsible and inflammatory to link this anti-Semitic act with separate protest actions". "Such language inaccurately conflates Jewishness with support for Israel, and undermines the fight against real anti-Semitism," executive council member Ohad Kozminsky said. Late on Friday, a group spray-painted cars with anti-Semitic "inferences" then set them alight in the city's northeast. A fourth incident involved stencils used to spray paint offensive images on pillars and walls near a Holocaust museum in the suburb of Elsternwick. Victorian police have not declared the incidents as related to terrorism but are working alongside counter-terrorism officers. The attacks, which have draw the ire of Israel, were condemned by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who said those responsible must face the full force of the law.
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Fears for next anti-Semitic firebombing on home soil
Australia's Jewish community is bracing for more anti-Semitic attacks as a task force is charged with doing whatever it takes to tackle hate. Calls for action have sharpened after four incidents in Victoria over the weekend, including a fire at East Melbourne Synagogue which forced worshippers to flee. "It's terrifying," Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion told AAP. "I don't know where the next attack will be or when or how, all I can say is that it is statistically likely that it will occur. "So far, we have been lucky in that no one has died." He welcomed Victoria's new task force to tackle hate which will examine police powers, but said the state government took too long to act. He urged authorities to disallow weekly pro-Palestine protests in their current form and introduce changes such as protest zones. Some demonstrators at Sunday's rally in Melbourne reportedly chanted "Death to the IDF" (Israel Defence Forces). Australia's anti-Semitism envoy Jillian Segal said the synagogue attack was not a random incident because hatred and intimidation had been allowed to fester, calling for stronger policing and punishments. "Violent or intimidating protest activity which targets the Jewish community is not protest, it is anti-Semitism," she said in a statement. Sydney man Angelo Loras, 34, has been charged with setting fire to the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation's front doors on Friday night, forcing about 20 people inside to flee. The attack came seven months after part of the Adass Israel Synagogue was destroyed. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan met with synagogue leaders on Monday, pledging mental health support. She said there were no plans to ban the weekly pro-Palestine demonstrations because freedom of protest was a central tenant of democracy, while hitting out at the protesters' chanting as "odious, hateful behaviour". She was confident anti-vilification laws coming into force in September would give police more powers to crack down on extremist behaviour, as would future legislation to ban masks at protests. Rally organisers hit back at criticism, stressing they were opposed to the Israeli occupation of Gaza. "To combat anti-Semitism, Jacinta Allen needs to learn to distinguish between the IDF which is responsible for war crimes, and Australian Jews," a spokesperson said in a statement. Soon after the synagogue fire, Israeli restaurant Miznon was targeted by masked pro-Palestinian protesters. A window was smashed, tables flipped and chairs thrown as police directed them to leave the area, with one person arrested. Later the same night in the city's northeast, a group spray-painted cars with anti-Semitic "inferences" and set them alight. CCTV footage released by police shows figures in black hooded jumpers lighting the fires outside a Greensborough business, with detectives looking for five people seen fleeing on e-bikes. A fourth incident involved stencils used to spray paint offensive images on pillars and walls near a Holocaust museum in Elsternwick. The incidents have not been declared terrorist attacks, but Victoria Police is working with counter-terrorism officers to examine any links. The Jewish Council of Australia denounced the synagogue attack but said it was "irresponsible and inflammatory to link this anti-Semitic act with separate protest actions". "Such language inaccurately conflates Jewishness with support for Israel, and undermines the fight against real anti-Semitism," executive council member Ohad Kozminsky said. Opposition Leader Brad Battin said hate speech was the "root cause" of Jewish people feeling unsafe, as he pushed for police to review 'move on' laws and potentially recommend changes to the premier. "It is vital now that we stop these crimes in their tracks, we stop the violent speeches happening across the state and that will actually stop the actions that are happening and protect people," he said. The attacks drew international condemnation, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanding action against "rioters". Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said those responsible must face the full force of the law and federal opposition frontbencher Melissa McIntosh called for an urgent national cabinet meeting to discuss what happened. Australia's Jewish community is bracing for more anti-Semitic attacks as a task force is charged with doing whatever it takes to tackle hate. Calls for action have sharpened after four incidents in Victoria over the weekend, including a fire at East Melbourne Synagogue which forced worshippers to flee. "It's terrifying," Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion told AAP. "I don't know where the next attack will be or when or how, all I can say is that it is statistically likely that it will occur. "So far, we have been lucky in that no one has died." He welcomed Victoria's new task force to tackle hate which will examine police powers, but said the state government took too long to act. He urged authorities to disallow weekly pro-Palestine protests in their current form and introduce changes such as protest zones. Some demonstrators at Sunday's rally in Melbourne reportedly chanted "Death to the IDF" (Israel Defence Forces). Australia's anti-Semitism envoy Jillian Segal said the synagogue attack was not a random incident because hatred and intimidation had been allowed to fester, calling for stronger policing and punishments. "Violent or intimidating protest activity which targets the Jewish community is not protest, it is anti-Semitism," she said in a statement. Sydney man Angelo Loras, 34, has been charged with setting fire to the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation's front doors on Friday night, forcing about 20 people inside to flee. The attack came seven months after part of the Adass Israel Synagogue was destroyed. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan met with synagogue leaders on Monday, pledging mental health support. She said there were no plans to ban the weekly pro-Palestine demonstrations because freedom of protest was a central tenant of democracy, while hitting out at the protesters' chanting as "odious, hateful behaviour". She was confident anti-vilification laws coming into force in September would give police more powers to crack down on extremist behaviour, as would future legislation to ban masks at protests. Rally organisers hit back at criticism, stressing they were opposed to the Israeli occupation of Gaza. "To combat anti-Semitism, Jacinta Allen needs to learn to distinguish between the IDF which is responsible for war crimes, and Australian Jews," a spokesperson said in a statement. Soon after the synagogue fire, Israeli restaurant Miznon was targeted by masked pro-Palestinian protesters. A window was smashed, tables flipped and chairs thrown as police directed them to leave the area, with one person arrested. Later the same night in the city's northeast, a group spray-painted cars with anti-Semitic "inferences" and set them alight. CCTV footage released by police shows figures in black hooded jumpers lighting the fires outside a Greensborough business, with detectives looking for five people seen fleeing on e-bikes. A fourth incident involved stencils used to spray paint offensive images on pillars and walls near a Holocaust museum in Elsternwick. The incidents have not been declared terrorist attacks, but Victoria Police is working with counter-terrorism officers to examine any links. The Jewish Council of Australia denounced the synagogue attack but said it was "irresponsible and inflammatory to link this anti-Semitic act with separate protest actions". "Such language inaccurately conflates Jewishness with support for Israel, and undermines the fight against real anti-Semitism," executive council member Ohad Kozminsky said. Opposition Leader Brad Battin said hate speech was the "root cause" of Jewish people feeling unsafe, as he pushed for police to review 'move on' laws and potentially recommend changes to the premier. "It is vital now that we stop these crimes in their tracks, we stop the violent speeches happening across the state and that will actually stop the actions that are happening and protect people," he said. The attacks drew international condemnation, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanding action against "rioters". Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said those responsible must face the full force of the law and federal opposition frontbencher Melissa McIntosh called for an urgent national cabinet meeting to discuss what happened. Australia's Jewish community is bracing for more anti-Semitic attacks as a task force is charged with doing whatever it takes to tackle hate. Calls for action have sharpened after four incidents in Victoria over the weekend, including a fire at East Melbourne Synagogue which forced worshippers to flee. "It's terrifying," Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion told AAP. "I don't know where the next attack will be or when or how, all I can say is that it is statistically likely that it will occur. "So far, we have been lucky in that no one has died." He welcomed Victoria's new task force to tackle hate which will examine police powers, but said the state government took too long to act. He urged authorities to disallow weekly pro-Palestine protests in their current form and introduce changes such as protest zones. Some demonstrators at Sunday's rally in Melbourne reportedly chanted "Death to the IDF" (Israel Defence Forces). Australia's anti-Semitism envoy Jillian Segal said the synagogue attack was not a random incident because hatred and intimidation had been allowed to fester, calling for stronger policing and punishments. "Violent or intimidating protest activity which targets the Jewish community is not protest, it is anti-Semitism," she said in a statement. Sydney man Angelo Loras, 34, has been charged with setting fire to the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation's front doors on Friday night, forcing about 20 people inside to flee. The attack came seven months after part of the Adass Israel Synagogue was destroyed. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan met with synagogue leaders on Monday, pledging mental health support. She said there were no plans to ban the weekly pro-Palestine demonstrations because freedom of protest was a central tenant of democracy, while hitting out at the protesters' chanting as "odious, hateful behaviour". She was confident anti-vilification laws coming into force in September would give police more powers to crack down on extremist behaviour, as would future legislation to ban masks at protests. Rally organisers hit back at criticism, stressing they were opposed to the Israeli occupation of Gaza. "To combat anti-Semitism, Jacinta Allen needs to learn to distinguish between the IDF which is responsible for war crimes, and Australian Jews," a spokesperson said in a statement. Soon after the synagogue fire, Israeli restaurant Miznon was targeted by masked pro-Palestinian protesters. A window was smashed, tables flipped and chairs thrown as police directed them to leave the area, with one person arrested. Later the same night in the city's northeast, a group spray-painted cars with anti-Semitic "inferences" and set them alight. CCTV footage released by police shows figures in black hooded jumpers lighting the fires outside a Greensborough business, with detectives looking for five people seen fleeing on e-bikes. A fourth incident involved stencils used to spray paint offensive images on pillars and walls near a Holocaust museum in Elsternwick. The incidents have not been declared terrorist attacks, but Victoria Police is working with counter-terrorism officers to examine any links. The Jewish Council of Australia denounced the synagogue attack but said it was "irresponsible and inflammatory to link this anti-Semitic act with separate protest actions". "Such language inaccurately conflates Jewishness with support for Israel, and undermines the fight against real anti-Semitism," executive council member Ohad Kozminsky said. Opposition Leader Brad Battin said hate speech was the "root cause" of Jewish people feeling unsafe, as he pushed for police to review 'move on' laws and potentially recommend changes to the premier. "It is vital now that we stop these crimes in their tracks, we stop the violent speeches happening across the state and that will actually stop the actions that are happening and protect people," he said. The attacks drew international condemnation, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanding action against "rioters". Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said those responsible must face the full force of the law and federal opposition frontbencher Melissa McIntosh called for an urgent national cabinet meeting to discuss what happened. Australia's Jewish community is bracing for more anti-Semitic attacks as a task force is charged with doing whatever it takes to tackle hate. Calls for action have sharpened after four incidents in Victoria over the weekend, including a fire at East Melbourne Synagogue which forced worshippers to flee. "It's terrifying," Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion told AAP. "I don't know where the next attack will be or when or how, all I can say is that it is statistically likely that it will occur. "So far, we have been lucky in that no one has died." He welcomed Victoria's new task force to tackle hate which will examine police powers, but said the state government took too long to act. He urged authorities to disallow weekly pro-Palestine protests in their current form and introduce changes such as protest zones. Some demonstrators at Sunday's rally in Melbourne reportedly chanted "Death to the IDF" (Israel Defence Forces). Australia's anti-Semitism envoy Jillian Segal said the synagogue attack was not a random incident because hatred and intimidation had been allowed to fester, calling for stronger policing and punishments. "Violent or intimidating protest activity which targets the Jewish community is not protest, it is anti-Semitism," she said in a statement. Sydney man Angelo Loras, 34, has been charged with setting fire to the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation's front doors on Friday night, forcing about 20 people inside to flee. The attack came seven months after part of the Adass Israel Synagogue was destroyed. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan met with synagogue leaders on Monday, pledging mental health support. She said there were no plans to ban the weekly pro-Palestine demonstrations because freedom of protest was a central tenant of democracy, while hitting out at the protesters' chanting as "odious, hateful behaviour". She was confident anti-vilification laws coming into force in September would give police more powers to crack down on extremist behaviour, as would future legislation to ban masks at protests. Rally organisers hit back at criticism, stressing they were opposed to the Israeli occupation of Gaza. "To combat anti-Semitism, Jacinta Allen needs to learn to distinguish between the IDF which is responsible for war crimes, and Australian Jews," a spokesperson said in a statement. Soon after the synagogue fire, Israeli restaurant Miznon was targeted by masked pro-Palestinian protesters. A window was smashed, tables flipped and chairs thrown as police directed them to leave the area, with one person arrested. Later the same night in the city's northeast, a group spray-painted cars with anti-Semitic "inferences" and set them alight. CCTV footage released by police shows figures in black hooded jumpers lighting the fires outside a Greensborough business, with detectives looking for five people seen fleeing on e-bikes. A fourth incident involved stencils used to spray paint offensive images on pillars and walls near a Holocaust museum in Elsternwick. The incidents have not been declared terrorist attacks, but Victoria Police is working with counter-terrorism officers to examine any links. The Jewish Council of Australia denounced the synagogue attack but said it was "irresponsible and inflammatory to link this anti-Semitic act with separate protest actions". "Such language inaccurately conflates Jewishness with support for Israel, and undermines the fight against real anti-Semitism," executive council member Ohad Kozminsky said. Opposition Leader Brad Battin said hate speech was the "root cause" of Jewish people feeling unsafe, as he pushed for police to review 'move on' laws and potentially recommend changes to the premier. "It is vital now that we stop these crimes in their tracks, we stop the violent speeches happening across the state and that will actually stop the actions that are happening and protect people," he said. The attacks drew international condemnation, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanding action against "rioters". Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said those responsible must face the full force of the law and federal opposition frontbencher Melissa McIntosh called for an urgent national cabinet meeting to discuss what happened.
The Advertiser
06-07-2025
- The Advertiser
Man charged over synagogue firebombing
A 34-year-old man has been charged over the firebombing of a synagogue that's sent shock waves through Australia's Jewish community. Twenty congregants were forced to flee the synagogue in East Melbourne on Friday night after a bearded man doused the building's front door with flammable liquid before setting it alight. He fled on foot, while firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, which was contained to the front entrance. A NSW man was arrested in Melbourne's CBD on Saturday about 8.15pm and charged with multiple offences, including reckless conduct endangering life, criminal damage by fire and possession of a controlled weapon. The 34-year-old will appear before the bail and remand court on Sunday. Detectives will investigate the accused man's intent and ideology to determine if the incident was an act of terrorism. Victoria Police said it was lucky no one was injured in another alleged act of anti-Semitism on the same night when protesters allegedly smashed a window, flipped tables and threw chairs outside Israeli restaurant Miznon in Melbourne's CBD. The group of protesters had splintered from a larger demonstration in the city before making their way to the restaurant in Hardware Lane, where they chanted "death to the IDF", referring to the Israel Defence Force. A 28-year-old protester was arrested for hindering police, as detectives sift through CCTV as part of investigations. Hours later, offenders spray-painted three cars and a wall outside a Greensborough business in Melbourne's northeast before setting fire to the vehicles, destroying one and damaging two. Police said there were "inferences of anti-Semitism" and the business had been "subjected to pro-Palestinian activity" in the past 12 months. Detectives are investigating if there are any links between the three incidents and have flagged a review of their response to a pro-Palestine demonstration to be held in Melbourne on Sunday. None of the incidents have been declared terrorism-related but the force is increasing patrols around the synagogue and in the city's southeast. The attack on the 150-year-old temple was the 10th firebombing the Australian Jewish community has experienced in the past 12 months, Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion said. "If you think about terrorism as creating terror or fear, then yes, it is a form of terrorism," he said. "This is a pattern of behaviour designed to create fear amongst the Jewish community, which it will not do." Anti-Defamation Commission's Dvir Abramovich said diners were terrorised and Melbourne "stopped being a safe place for Jews" for one night. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the synagogue arson as a "cowardly" act of violence and anti-Semitism and said the attacks on the restaurant and business were unacceptable. The federal government has offered federal police and security and intelligence agency support to investigators. "Those responsible for these shocking acts must face the full force of the law," he said. The attacks come seven months after a blaze destroyed two buildings at the Adass Israel Synagogue in the city's south and forced worshippers inside to flee. No charges have been laid, although counterterrorism police have raided multiple properties as part of that investigation. Israel's foreign minister condemned Friday's attacks and demanded Australian do more to combat anti-Semitism. "Israel stands firmly with the Jewish community in Australia," Gideon Sa'ar posted on social platform X. "There have been too many anti-Semitic attacks in Australia." A 34-year-old man has been charged over the firebombing of a synagogue that's sent shock waves through Australia's Jewish community. Twenty congregants were forced to flee the synagogue in East Melbourne on Friday night after a bearded man doused the building's front door with flammable liquid before setting it alight. He fled on foot, while firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, which was contained to the front entrance. A NSW man was arrested in Melbourne's CBD on Saturday about 8.15pm and charged with multiple offences, including reckless conduct endangering life, criminal damage by fire and possession of a controlled weapon. The 34-year-old will appear before the bail and remand court on Sunday. Detectives will investigate the accused man's intent and ideology to determine if the incident was an act of terrorism. Victoria Police said it was lucky no one was injured in another alleged act of anti-Semitism on the same night when protesters allegedly smashed a window, flipped tables and threw chairs outside Israeli restaurant Miznon in Melbourne's CBD. The group of protesters had splintered from a larger demonstration in the city before making their way to the restaurant in Hardware Lane, where they chanted "death to the IDF", referring to the Israel Defence Force. A 28-year-old protester was arrested for hindering police, as detectives sift through CCTV as part of investigations. Hours later, offenders spray-painted three cars and a wall outside a Greensborough business in Melbourne's northeast before setting fire to the vehicles, destroying one and damaging two. Police said there were "inferences of anti-Semitism" and the business had been "subjected to pro-Palestinian activity" in the past 12 months. Detectives are investigating if there are any links between the three incidents and have flagged a review of their response to a pro-Palestine demonstration to be held in Melbourne on Sunday. None of the incidents have been declared terrorism-related but the force is increasing patrols around the synagogue and in the city's southeast. The attack on the 150-year-old temple was the 10th firebombing the Australian Jewish community has experienced in the past 12 months, Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion said. "If you think about terrorism as creating terror or fear, then yes, it is a form of terrorism," he said. "This is a pattern of behaviour designed to create fear amongst the Jewish community, which it will not do." Anti-Defamation Commission's Dvir Abramovich said diners were terrorised and Melbourne "stopped being a safe place for Jews" for one night. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the synagogue arson as a "cowardly" act of violence and anti-Semitism and said the attacks on the restaurant and business were unacceptable. The federal government has offered federal police and security and intelligence agency support to investigators. "Those responsible for these shocking acts must face the full force of the law," he said. The attacks come seven months after a blaze destroyed two buildings at the Adass Israel Synagogue in the city's south and forced worshippers inside to flee. No charges have been laid, although counterterrorism police have raided multiple properties as part of that investigation. Israel's foreign minister condemned Friday's attacks and demanded Australian do more to combat anti-Semitism. "Israel stands firmly with the Jewish community in Australia," Gideon Sa'ar posted on social platform X. "There have been too many anti-Semitic attacks in Australia." A 34-year-old man has been charged over the firebombing of a synagogue that's sent shock waves through Australia's Jewish community. Twenty congregants were forced to flee the synagogue in East Melbourne on Friday night after a bearded man doused the building's front door with flammable liquid before setting it alight. He fled on foot, while firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, which was contained to the front entrance. A NSW man was arrested in Melbourne's CBD on Saturday about 8.15pm and charged with multiple offences, including reckless conduct endangering life, criminal damage by fire and possession of a controlled weapon. The 34-year-old will appear before the bail and remand court on Sunday. Detectives will investigate the accused man's intent and ideology to determine if the incident was an act of terrorism. Victoria Police said it was lucky no one was injured in another alleged act of anti-Semitism on the same night when protesters allegedly smashed a window, flipped tables and threw chairs outside Israeli restaurant Miznon in Melbourne's CBD. The group of protesters had splintered from a larger demonstration in the city before making their way to the restaurant in Hardware Lane, where they chanted "death to the IDF", referring to the Israel Defence Force. A 28-year-old protester was arrested for hindering police, as detectives sift through CCTV as part of investigations. Hours later, offenders spray-painted three cars and a wall outside a Greensborough business in Melbourne's northeast before setting fire to the vehicles, destroying one and damaging two. Police said there were "inferences of anti-Semitism" and the business had been "subjected to pro-Palestinian activity" in the past 12 months. Detectives are investigating if there are any links between the three incidents and have flagged a review of their response to a pro-Palestine demonstration to be held in Melbourne on Sunday. None of the incidents have been declared terrorism-related but the force is increasing patrols around the synagogue and in the city's southeast. The attack on the 150-year-old temple was the 10th firebombing the Australian Jewish community has experienced in the past 12 months, Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion said. "If you think about terrorism as creating terror or fear, then yes, it is a form of terrorism," he said. "This is a pattern of behaviour designed to create fear amongst the Jewish community, which it will not do." Anti-Defamation Commission's Dvir Abramovich said diners were terrorised and Melbourne "stopped being a safe place for Jews" for one night. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the synagogue arson as a "cowardly" act of violence and anti-Semitism and said the attacks on the restaurant and business were unacceptable. The federal government has offered federal police and security and intelligence agency support to investigators. "Those responsible for these shocking acts must face the full force of the law," he said. The attacks come seven months after a blaze destroyed two buildings at the Adass Israel Synagogue in the city's south and forced worshippers inside to flee. No charges have been laid, although counterterrorism police have raided multiple properties as part of that investigation. Israel's foreign minister condemned Friday's attacks and demanded Australian do more to combat anti-Semitism. "Israel stands firmly with the Jewish community in Australia," Gideon Sa'ar posted on social platform X. "There have been too many anti-Semitic attacks in Australia." A 34-year-old man has been charged over the firebombing of a synagogue that's sent shock waves through Australia's Jewish community. Twenty congregants were forced to flee the synagogue in East Melbourne on Friday night after a bearded man doused the building's front door with flammable liquid before setting it alight. He fled on foot, while firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, which was contained to the front entrance. A NSW man was arrested in Melbourne's CBD on Saturday about 8.15pm and charged with multiple offences, including reckless conduct endangering life, criminal damage by fire and possession of a controlled weapon. The 34-year-old will appear before the bail and remand court on Sunday. Detectives will investigate the accused man's intent and ideology to determine if the incident was an act of terrorism. Victoria Police said it was lucky no one was injured in another alleged act of anti-Semitism on the same night when protesters allegedly smashed a window, flipped tables and threw chairs outside Israeli restaurant Miznon in Melbourne's CBD. The group of protesters had splintered from a larger demonstration in the city before making their way to the restaurant in Hardware Lane, where they chanted "death to the IDF", referring to the Israel Defence Force. A 28-year-old protester was arrested for hindering police, as detectives sift through CCTV as part of investigations. Hours later, offenders spray-painted three cars and a wall outside a Greensborough business in Melbourne's northeast before setting fire to the vehicles, destroying one and damaging two. Police said there were "inferences of anti-Semitism" and the business had been "subjected to pro-Palestinian activity" in the past 12 months. Detectives are investigating if there are any links between the three incidents and have flagged a review of their response to a pro-Palestine demonstration to be held in Melbourne on Sunday. None of the incidents have been declared terrorism-related but the force is increasing patrols around the synagogue and in the city's southeast. The attack on the 150-year-old temple was the 10th firebombing the Australian Jewish community has experienced in the past 12 months, Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion said. "If you think about terrorism as creating terror or fear, then yes, it is a form of terrorism," he said. "This is a pattern of behaviour designed to create fear amongst the Jewish community, which it will not do." Anti-Defamation Commission's Dvir Abramovich said diners were terrorised and Melbourne "stopped being a safe place for Jews" for one night. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the synagogue arson as a "cowardly" act of violence and anti-Semitism and said the attacks on the restaurant and business were unacceptable. The federal government has offered federal police and security and intelligence agency support to investigators. "Those responsible for these shocking acts must face the full force of the law," he said. The attacks come seven months after a blaze destroyed two buildings at the Adass Israel Synagogue in the city's south and forced worshippers inside to flee. No charges have been laid, although counterterrorism police have raided multiple properties as part of that investigation. Israel's foreign minister condemned Friday's attacks and demanded Australian do more to combat anti-Semitism. "Israel stands firmly with the Jewish community in Australia," Gideon Sa'ar posted on social platform X. "There have been too many anti-Semitic attacks in Australia."
