Latest news with #DannySegal
SBS Australia
a day ago
- Politics
- SBS Australia
Morning News Bulletin 6 July 2025
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemns an arson attack on a synagogue in Melbourne. Israel says it is considering a response to a ceasefire proposal after Hamas says they are ready to engage in talks Matildas lose one-nil to Panama in the first of two friendly matches. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned the arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue, when a man allegedly doused the front of the building in flammable liquid and set it alight on Friday night. Leaders of the Jewish community have also come out in solidarity after the attack. The temple's president Danny Segal, his wife Jenny and their families, including children, were among those inside enjoying Shabbat dinner. Luckily, no one was injured in the attack. Daniel Aghion, President of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry says its not just an attack on Australian Jews but on the Australian way of life. "This synagogue has been in place for 150 years. It was first founded six years after the creation of the Victorian colony. We're talking about a community that is part of the fabric of Melbourne and Victoria. This is not just an attack upon Jews or the Jewish community, it's an attack upon our way of life. The answer we give to that is: we're proud, we're Australians and we're Jewish and we're not going anywhere." The attack took place the same night as an angry demonstration took place outside of an Israeli restaurant, prompting Jewish leaders to express safety concerns. The winners of the annual National NAIDOC Awards have been revealed, recognising the individual excellence and achievements of First Nations people. Ahead of the 50th annual NAIDOC Week celebrations, the winners were announced at a ceremony in Perth, chosen from some 200 nominees. West Australian general practitioner and dentist Daniel Hunt was honoured as NAIDOC person of the year for his work in the health sector. Former AFL player Michael Long was recognised with a lifetime achievement award for his lifelong service to his people and country in speaking for Indigenous rights and fighting against racism in sport. Indigenous Affairs Minister Malarndirri McCarthy congratulated the winners, who were chosen from a field of 27 finalists. "Today's generation will keep our stories alive and will help all Australians to know that our people, our voices, our culture are worth celebrating. And that's what this year's NAIDOC Week theme is all about: the next generation, strength, vision, and legacy." Israel says it is considering a response to the US-brokered ceasefire deal, after Hamas responded positively and indicated a willingness to enter talks. The deal includes a 60-day ceasefire, a release of hostages from Gaza and negotiations on ending the 21-month-old conflict. In a sign of potential challenges still facing the sides, a Palestinian official says concerns remain over humanitarian aid, passage through the Rafah crossing to Egypt and clarity over a timetable of Israeli troop withdrawals. Israeli media says the cabinet would discuss sending a delegation to Doha for talks as early as Sunday. Mr Trump says he's optimistic that there could be a deal. "I think they're going to be positive about it. We have to get it over with. There could be a Gaza deal next week. I'm very optimistic. But it changes from day to day. We've gotten a lot of hostages out, as you know, from Gaza, a lot. But unfortunately, we came in and we inherited that situation." United States President Donald Trump says he will start talking to China about a possible TikTok deal. Last month, President Trump extended a deadline to September 17 for China-based company Byte Dance to divest the US assets of social media giant TikTok or be banned from the country. A deal had been in the works to spin off TikTok's US operations into a new company majority-owned and operated by US investors, but it was put on hold after China indicated it would not approve it following the Trump administration's announcement of high tariffs on Chinese goods. Mr Trump says the United States is close to a deal on the sale of the app. "Yeah we pretty much have a deal. I think we're going to start Monday or Tuesday talking to China, perhaps President Xi or one of his representatives, but we pretty much have a deal. But we probably have to get it approved by China." In football, a freshly rebuilt Matildas squad have lost one-nil against Panama in the first of two friendly matches in Western Australia. While missing several star players to injuries and featuring four debutant Matildas, it remains a shock for new coach Joe Montemurro, who is now just three games into his tenure. The match saw both starting goalkeepers leave the pitch with suspected injuries, with Panama's Yenith Bailey stretchered off in the third minute of the match and Australia's Teagan Micah forced off in the 61st. And it was a goal from 19-year-old substitute Sherline King that gave the Central Americans the win. The two sides will face each other again on Tuesday night in Perth.
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Man urged to come forward over synagogue fire attack
Detectives have released images of a man they wish to speak to over a targeted fire attack at a synagogue that forced children and families to flee. It happened the same night as an angry protest outside an Israeli restaurant and car fires outside a business previously targeted by demonstrators, prompting Jewish leaders to express deep safety concerns. The violence started when a man doused the front of East Melbourne Synagogue in flammable liquid and set it alight about 8pm on Friday, police said. The temple's president Danny Segal, his wife Jenny and families including children were among those inside enjoying Shabbat dinner. "Somebody saw smoke coming and some passers-by rang the bell and said there's something going on," he told reporters. Everyone inside evacuated safely and firefighters stopped the flames from spreading. Ms Segal said she was worried about what might have happened if the attacker got inside and children were frightened. "They were pretty scared because they felt our fear and our shock," she said. A short time later, protesters gathered outside Israeli restaurant Miznon on nearby Hardware Lane. Jewish leaders say they chanted "death to the IDF", which stands for Israel Defence Forces. Chairs were thrown, tables overturned and a window smashed as police tried to move them on, with one person arrested for hindering officers. The third incident happened outside a business in Greensborough in the city's northeast, where three cars were set alight and spray painted about 4.30am on Saturday. Few details have been made public but Victoria Police Commander Zorka Dunstan said the business was "subject to pro-Palestinian activity in the past" which is why it was included in the probe. None of the incidents were declared terrorism but local police are working with counterterrorism officers to examine links. Commander Dunstan characterised the events as serious criminal incidents. "We do recognise that these crimes are disgusting and abhorrent but at this stage, we are not declaring this a terrorist incident," she said. "In the course of our investigation, we will examine the intent and the ideology of the persons involved, or person, to determine if this is in fact terrorism." Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said anti-Semitic terror had returned. "The anti-Semitism crisis is not only continuing but getting worse," he said. Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich said the diners were terrorised and Melbourne "stopped being a safe place for Jews" for one night. The synagogue attack happened on Shabbat, a period of rest, which Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said made it even more abhorrent. "This is disgraceful behaviour by a pack of cowards," she said. Opposition frontbencher David Southwick, who is Jewish, called the events in the city "domestic terrorism" and accused the state government of sitting on its hands "Do we have to wait until actually somebody's killed before the government says, right, now we're going to act? I would hope not." Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece visited the synagogue on Saturday morning and described the city as being one of peace and tolerance despite the terrible events. It comes seven months after a devastating fire at the Adass Israel Synagogue in the city's south forced people inside to flee. Two of the synagogue's buildings were destroyed in the early morning blaze and no charges have been laid, although counterterrorism police have raided multiple properties as part of that investigation. The attacks follow disagreement between Australia's special envoy to combat anti-Semitism and NSW MPs over a call to ban pro-Palestine protests from city centres. Jillian Segal gave evidence to a parliamentary inquiry on Friday and was pressed on previous statements labelling weekly demonstrations "intimidatory" and "sinister". Labor MP Stephen Lawrence suggested her comments were an "uncivil way to describe them and the people participating". Detectives have released images of a man they wish to speak to over a targeted fire attack at a synagogue that forced children and families to flee. It happened the same night as an angry protest outside an Israeli restaurant and car fires outside a business previously targeted by demonstrators, prompting Jewish leaders to express deep safety concerns. The violence started when a man doused the front of East Melbourne Synagogue in flammable liquid and set it alight about 8pm on Friday, police said. The temple's president Danny Segal, his wife Jenny and families including children were among those inside enjoying Shabbat dinner. "Somebody saw smoke coming and some passers-by rang the bell and said there's something going on," he told reporters. Everyone inside evacuated safely and firefighters stopped the flames from spreading. Ms Segal said she was worried about what might have happened if the attacker got inside and children were frightened. "They were pretty scared because they felt our fear and our shock," she said. A short time later, protesters gathered outside Israeli restaurant Miznon on nearby Hardware Lane. Jewish leaders say they chanted "death to the IDF", which stands for Israel Defence Forces. Chairs were thrown, tables overturned and a window smashed as police tried to move them on, with one person arrested for hindering officers. The third incident happened outside a business in Greensborough in the city's northeast, where three cars were set alight and spray painted about 4.30am on Saturday. Few details have been made public but Victoria Police Commander Zorka Dunstan said the business was "subject to pro-Palestinian activity in the past" which is why it was included in the probe. None of the incidents were declared terrorism but local police are working with counterterrorism officers to examine links. Commander Dunstan characterised the events as serious criminal incidents. "We do recognise that these crimes are disgusting and abhorrent but at this stage, we are not declaring this a terrorist incident," she said. "In the course of our investigation, we will examine the intent and the ideology of the persons involved, or person, to determine if this is in fact terrorism." Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said anti-Semitic terror had returned. "The anti-Semitism crisis is not only continuing but getting worse," he said. Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich said the diners were terrorised and Melbourne "stopped being a safe place for Jews" for one night. The synagogue attack happened on Shabbat, a period of rest, which Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said made it even more abhorrent. "This is disgraceful behaviour by a pack of cowards," she said. Opposition frontbencher David Southwick, who is Jewish, called the events in the city "domestic terrorism" and accused the state government of sitting on its hands "Do we have to wait until actually somebody's killed before the government says, right, now we're going to act? I would hope not." Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece visited the synagogue on Saturday morning and described the city as being one of peace and tolerance despite the terrible events. It comes seven months after a devastating fire at the Adass Israel Synagogue in the city's south forced people inside to flee. Two of the synagogue's buildings were destroyed in the early morning blaze and no charges have been laid, although counterterrorism police have raided multiple properties as part of that investigation. The attacks follow disagreement between Australia's special envoy to combat anti-Semitism and NSW MPs over a call to ban pro-Palestine protests from city centres. Jillian Segal gave evidence to a parliamentary inquiry on Friday and was pressed on previous statements labelling weekly demonstrations "intimidatory" and "sinister". Labor MP Stephen Lawrence suggested her comments were an "uncivil way to describe them and the people participating". Detectives have released images of a man they wish to speak to over a targeted fire attack at a synagogue that forced children and families to flee. It happened the same night as an angry protest outside an Israeli restaurant and car fires outside a business previously targeted by demonstrators, prompting Jewish leaders to express deep safety concerns. The violence started when a man doused the front of East Melbourne Synagogue in flammable liquid and set it alight about 8pm on Friday, police said. The temple's president Danny Segal, his wife Jenny and families including children were among those inside enjoying Shabbat dinner. "Somebody saw smoke coming and some passers-by rang the bell and said there's something going on," he told reporters. Everyone inside evacuated safely and firefighters stopped the flames from spreading. Ms Segal said she was worried about what might have happened if the attacker got inside and children were frightened. "They were pretty scared because they felt our fear and our shock," she said. A short time later, protesters gathered outside Israeli restaurant Miznon on nearby Hardware Lane. Jewish leaders say they chanted "death to the IDF", which stands for Israel Defence Forces. Chairs were thrown, tables overturned and a window smashed as police tried to move them on, with one person arrested for hindering officers. The third incident happened outside a business in Greensborough in the city's northeast, where three cars were set alight and spray painted about 4.30am on Saturday. Few details have been made public but Victoria Police Commander Zorka Dunstan said the business was "subject to pro-Palestinian activity in the past" which is why it was included in the probe. None of the incidents were declared terrorism but local police are working with counterterrorism officers to examine links. Commander Dunstan characterised the events as serious criminal incidents. "We do recognise that these crimes are disgusting and abhorrent but at this stage, we are not declaring this a terrorist incident," she said. "In the course of our investigation, we will examine the intent and the ideology of the persons involved, or person, to determine if this is in fact terrorism." Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said anti-Semitic terror had returned. "The anti-Semitism crisis is not only continuing but getting worse," he said. Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich said the diners were terrorised and Melbourne "stopped being a safe place for Jews" for one night. The synagogue attack happened on Shabbat, a period of rest, which Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said made it even more abhorrent. "This is disgraceful behaviour by a pack of cowards," she said. Opposition frontbencher David Southwick, who is Jewish, called the events in the city "domestic terrorism" and accused the state government of sitting on its hands "Do we have to wait until actually somebody's killed before the government says, right, now we're going to act? I would hope not." Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece visited the synagogue on Saturday morning and described the city as being one of peace and tolerance despite the terrible events. It comes seven months after a devastating fire at the Adass Israel Synagogue in the city's south forced people inside to flee. Two of the synagogue's buildings were destroyed in the early morning blaze and no charges have been laid, although counterterrorism police have raided multiple properties as part of that investigation. The attacks follow disagreement between Australia's special envoy to combat anti-Semitism and NSW MPs over a call to ban pro-Palestine protests from city centres. Jillian Segal gave evidence to a parliamentary inquiry on Friday and was pressed on previous statements labelling weekly demonstrations "intimidatory" and "sinister". Labor MP Stephen Lawrence suggested her comments were an "uncivil way to describe them and the people participating". Detectives have released images of a man they wish to speak to over a targeted fire attack at a synagogue that forced children and families to flee. It happened the same night as an angry protest outside an Israeli restaurant and car fires outside a business previously targeted by demonstrators, prompting Jewish leaders to express deep safety concerns. The violence started when a man doused the front of East Melbourne Synagogue in flammable liquid and set it alight about 8pm on Friday, police said. The temple's president Danny Segal, his wife Jenny and families including children were among those inside enjoying Shabbat dinner. "Somebody saw smoke coming and some passers-by rang the bell and said there's something going on," he told reporters. Everyone inside evacuated safely and firefighters stopped the flames from spreading. Ms Segal said she was worried about what might have happened if the attacker got inside and children were frightened. "They were pretty scared because they felt our fear and our shock," she said. A short time later, protesters gathered outside Israeli restaurant Miznon on nearby Hardware Lane. Jewish leaders say they chanted "death to the IDF", which stands for Israel Defence Forces. Chairs were thrown, tables overturned and a window smashed as police tried to move them on, with one person arrested for hindering officers. The third incident happened outside a business in Greensborough in the city's northeast, where three cars were set alight and spray painted about 4.30am on Saturday. Few details have been made public but Victoria Police Commander Zorka Dunstan said the business was "subject to pro-Palestinian activity in the past" which is why it was included in the probe. None of the incidents were declared terrorism but local police are working with counterterrorism officers to examine links. Commander Dunstan characterised the events as serious criminal incidents. "We do recognise that these crimes are disgusting and abhorrent but at this stage, we are not declaring this a terrorist incident," she said. "In the course of our investigation, we will examine the intent and the ideology of the persons involved, or person, to determine if this is in fact terrorism." Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said anti-Semitic terror had returned. "The anti-Semitism crisis is not only continuing but getting worse," he said. Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich said the diners were terrorised and Melbourne "stopped being a safe place for Jews" for one night. The synagogue attack happened on Shabbat, a period of rest, which Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said made it even more abhorrent. "This is disgraceful behaviour by a pack of cowards," she said. Opposition frontbencher David Southwick, who is Jewish, called the events in the city "domestic terrorism" and accused the state government of sitting on its hands "Do we have to wait until actually somebody's killed before the government says, right, now we're going to act? I would hope not." Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece visited the synagogue on Saturday morning and described the city as being one of peace and tolerance despite the terrible events. It comes seven months after a devastating fire at the Adass Israel Synagogue in the city's south forced people inside to flee. Two of the synagogue's buildings were destroyed in the early morning blaze and no charges have been laid, although counterterrorism police have raided multiple properties as part of that investigation. The attacks follow disagreement between Australia's special envoy to combat anti-Semitism and NSW MPs over a call to ban pro-Palestine protests from city centres. Jillian Segal gave evidence to a parliamentary inquiry on Friday and was pressed on previous statements labelling weekly demonstrations "intimidatory" and "sinister". Labor MP Stephen Lawrence suggested her comments were an "uncivil way to describe them and the people participating".
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Synagogue hit with arson attack, diners 'terrorised'
Children and their families were among those forced to evacuate a synagogue targeted by arsonists, just as protesters descended on a nearby Israeli restaurant shouting "offensive chants". A group of about 20 people had to flee when a man doused the front of the temple in a flammable liquid and set it alight about 8pm on Friday, Victoria Police said. East Melbourne Synagogue president Danny Segal and his wife Jenny were among those inside enjoying Shabbat dinner at the time. "Somebody saw smoke coming and some passers-by rang the bell and said there's something going on," he told reporters on Saturday morning. Everyone inside evacuated safely and firefighters stopped the flames from spreading. Ms Segal said he was worried about what might have happened had the attacker gotten inside. He said the incident frightened the children. "They were pretty scared because they felt our fear and our shock," he said. Investigators are still working to establish the motivation and circumstances surrounding the fire. "There is absolutely no place in our society for anti-Semitic or hate-based behaviour," a police spokesperson said. The synagogue, one of Australia's oldest, is close to Victoria's parliament in the heart of the city. The suspect was last seen fleeing down Albert Street towards the CBD. A short time later, protesters gathered outside Israeli restaurant Miznon on nearby Hardware Lane. Police said about 20 of them shouted "offensive chants" and were directed to leave the area. Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said anti-Semitic terror had returned as a mob chanted "death to the IDF", which stands for Israel Defence Forces. "These events are a severe escalation directed towards our community and clear evidence that the anti-Semitism crisis is not only continuing but getting worse," Mr Ryvchin said. Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich said the diners were terrorised. "Melbourne, for one night, stopped being a safe place for Jews," he said. One person was arrested for hindering police and several others were spoken to by investigators. The force said it supported the right of Victorians to protest peacefully but would not tolerate "anti-social and violent behaviour". Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said that the attack happened on Shabbat made it more abhorrent. "This is disgraceful behaviour by a pack of cowards," she said. Opposition frontbencher David Southwick called for greater action to stop people filled with hate who "hijack our streets". "Enough talk. The perpetrators and organisers must be found and brought to justice," he said. Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece visited the synagogue and spoke with senior members on Saturday morning. He condemned the events and said Melbourne was a city of peace and tolerance despite the terrible events. "Nothing that we are doing here in Melbourne is going to have any impact on the terrible events in Israel and Gaza and so we do need to ask ourselves, how do we keep ourselves together as a community?" he said. The incidents come 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, although counter-terrorism police have raided multiple properties as part of that investigation. The latest attacks also follow disagreement between Australia's special envoy to combat anti-Semitism and NSW MPs over a call to ban pro-Palestine protests from city centres. Jillian Segal gave evidence to a parliamentary inquiry examining anti-Semitism in Sydney on Friday and was pressed on her previous statements labelling the weekly demonstrations "intimidatory" and "sinister". Labor MP Stephen Lawrence suggested her comments were an "uncivil way to describe them and the people participating". Children and their families were among those forced to evacuate a synagogue targeted by arsonists, just as protesters descended on a nearby Israeli restaurant shouting "offensive chants". A group of about 20 people had to flee when a man doused the front of the temple in a flammable liquid and set it alight about 8pm on Friday, Victoria Police said. East Melbourne Synagogue president Danny Segal and his wife Jenny were among those inside enjoying Shabbat dinner at the time. "Somebody saw smoke coming and some passers-by rang the bell and said there's something going on," he told reporters on Saturday morning. Everyone inside evacuated safely and firefighters stopped the flames from spreading. Ms Segal said he was worried about what might have happened had the attacker gotten inside. He said the incident frightened the children. "They were pretty scared because they felt our fear and our shock," he said. Investigators are still working to establish the motivation and circumstances surrounding the fire. "There is absolutely no place in our society for anti-Semitic or hate-based behaviour," a police spokesperson said. The synagogue, one of Australia's oldest, is close to Victoria's parliament in the heart of the city. The suspect was last seen fleeing down Albert Street towards the CBD. A short time later, protesters gathered outside Israeli restaurant Miznon on nearby Hardware Lane. Police said about 20 of them shouted "offensive chants" and were directed to leave the area. Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said anti-Semitic terror had returned as a mob chanted "death to the IDF", which stands for Israel Defence Forces. "These events are a severe escalation directed towards our community and clear evidence that the anti-Semitism crisis is not only continuing but getting worse," Mr Ryvchin said. Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich said the diners were terrorised. "Melbourne, for one night, stopped being a safe place for Jews," he said. One person was arrested for hindering police and several others were spoken to by investigators. The force said it supported the right of Victorians to protest peacefully but would not tolerate "anti-social and violent behaviour". Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said that the attack happened on Shabbat made it more abhorrent. "This is disgraceful behaviour by a pack of cowards," she said. Opposition frontbencher David Southwick called for greater action to stop people filled with hate who "hijack our streets". "Enough talk. The perpetrators and organisers must be found and brought to justice," he said. Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece visited the synagogue and spoke with senior members on Saturday morning. He condemned the events and said Melbourne was a city of peace and tolerance despite the terrible events. "Nothing that we are doing here in Melbourne is going to have any impact on the terrible events in Israel and Gaza and so we do need to ask ourselves, how do we keep ourselves together as a community?" he said. The incidents come 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, although counter-terrorism police have raided multiple properties as part of that investigation. The latest attacks also follow disagreement between Australia's special envoy to combat anti-Semitism and NSW MPs over a call to ban pro-Palestine protests from city centres. Jillian Segal gave evidence to a parliamentary inquiry examining anti-Semitism in Sydney on Friday and was pressed on her previous statements labelling the weekly demonstrations "intimidatory" and "sinister". Labor MP Stephen Lawrence suggested her comments were an "uncivil way to describe them and the people participating". Children and their families were among those forced to evacuate a synagogue targeted by arsonists, just as protesters descended on a nearby Israeli restaurant shouting "offensive chants". A group of about 20 people had to flee when a man doused the front of the temple in a flammable liquid and set it alight about 8pm on Friday, Victoria Police said. East Melbourne Synagogue president Danny Segal and his wife Jenny were among those inside enjoying Shabbat dinner at the time. "Somebody saw smoke coming and some passers-by rang the bell and said there's something going on," he told reporters on Saturday morning. Everyone inside evacuated safely and firefighters stopped the flames from spreading. Ms Segal said he was worried about what might have happened had the attacker gotten inside. He said the incident frightened the children. "They were pretty scared because they felt our fear and our shock," he said. Investigators are still working to establish the motivation and circumstances surrounding the fire. "There is absolutely no place in our society for anti-Semitic or hate-based behaviour," a police spokesperson said. The synagogue, one of Australia's oldest, is close to Victoria's parliament in the heart of the city. The suspect was last seen fleeing down Albert Street towards the CBD. A short time later, protesters gathered outside Israeli restaurant Miznon on nearby Hardware Lane. Police said about 20 of them shouted "offensive chants" and were directed to leave the area. Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said anti-Semitic terror had returned as a mob chanted "death to the IDF", which stands for Israel Defence Forces. "These events are a severe escalation directed towards our community and clear evidence that the anti-Semitism crisis is not only continuing but getting worse," Mr Ryvchin said. Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich said the diners were terrorised. "Melbourne, for one night, stopped being a safe place for Jews," he said. One person was arrested for hindering police and several others were spoken to by investigators. The force said it supported the right of Victorians to protest peacefully but would not tolerate "anti-social and violent behaviour". Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said that the attack happened on Shabbat made it more abhorrent. "This is disgraceful behaviour by a pack of cowards," she said. Opposition frontbencher David Southwick called for greater action to stop people filled with hate who "hijack our streets". "Enough talk. The perpetrators and organisers must be found and brought to justice," he said. Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece visited the synagogue and spoke with senior members on Saturday morning. He condemned the events and said Melbourne was a city of peace and tolerance despite the terrible events. "Nothing that we are doing here in Melbourne is going to have any impact on the terrible events in Israel and Gaza and so we do need to ask ourselves, how do we keep ourselves together as a community?" he said. The incidents come 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, although counter-terrorism police have raided multiple properties as part of that investigation. The latest attacks also follow disagreement between Australia's special envoy to combat anti-Semitism and NSW MPs over a call to ban pro-Palestine protests from city centres. Jillian Segal gave evidence to a parliamentary inquiry examining anti-Semitism in Sydney on Friday and was pressed on her previous statements labelling the weekly demonstrations "intimidatory" and "sinister". Labor MP Stephen Lawrence suggested her comments were an "uncivil way to describe them and the people participating". Children and their families were among those forced to evacuate a synagogue targeted by arsonists, just as protesters descended on a nearby Israeli restaurant shouting "offensive chants". A group of about 20 people had to flee when a man doused the front of the temple in a flammable liquid and set it alight about 8pm on Friday, Victoria Police said. East Melbourne Synagogue president Danny Segal and his wife Jenny were among those inside enjoying Shabbat dinner at the time. "Somebody saw smoke coming and some passers-by rang the bell and said there's something going on," he told reporters on Saturday morning. Everyone inside evacuated safely and firefighters stopped the flames from spreading. Ms Segal said he was worried about what might have happened had the attacker gotten inside. He said the incident frightened the children. "They were pretty scared because they felt our fear and our shock," he said. Investigators are still working to establish the motivation and circumstances surrounding the fire. "There is absolutely no place in our society for anti-Semitic or hate-based behaviour," a police spokesperson said. The synagogue, one of Australia's oldest, is close to Victoria's parliament in the heart of the city. The suspect was last seen fleeing down Albert Street towards the CBD. A short time later, protesters gathered outside Israeli restaurant Miznon on nearby Hardware Lane. Police said about 20 of them shouted "offensive chants" and were directed to leave the area. Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said anti-Semitic terror had returned as a mob chanted "death to the IDF", which stands for Israel Defence Forces. "These events are a severe escalation directed towards our community and clear evidence that the anti-Semitism crisis is not only continuing but getting worse," Mr Ryvchin said. Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich said the diners were terrorised. "Melbourne, for one night, stopped being a safe place for Jews," he said. One person was arrested for hindering police and several others were spoken to by investigators. The force said it supported the right of Victorians to protest peacefully but would not tolerate "anti-social and violent behaviour". Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said that the attack happened on Shabbat made it more abhorrent. "This is disgraceful behaviour by a pack of cowards," she said. Opposition frontbencher David Southwick called for greater action to stop people filled with hate who "hijack our streets". "Enough talk. The perpetrators and organisers must be found and brought to justice," he said. Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece visited the synagogue and spoke with senior members on Saturday morning. He condemned the events and said Melbourne was a city of peace and tolerance despite the terrible events. "Nothing that we are doing here in Melbourne is going to have any impact on the terrible events in Israel and Gaza and so we do need to ask ourselves, how do we keep ourselves together as a community?" he said. The incidents come 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, although counter-terrorism police have raided multiple properties as part of that investigation. The latest attacks also follow disagreement between Australia's special envoy to combat anti-Semitism and NSW MPs over a call to ban pro-Palestine protests from city centres. Jillian Segal gave evidence to a parliamentary inquiry examining anti-Semitism in Sydney on Friday and was pressed on her previous statements labelling the weekly demonstrations "intimidatory" and "sinister". Labor MP Stephen Lawrence suggested her comments were an "uncivil way to describe them and the people participating".
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Children and families forced to run for their lives after busy synagogue set alight by arsonists in Melbourne
Children and their families were among those forced to evacuate a synagogue targeted by arsonists, just as protesters descended on a nearby Israeli restaurant shouting 'offensive chants'. A group of about 20 people had to flee when a man doused the front of the temple in a flammable liquid and set it alight about 8pm on Friday, Victoria Police said. East Melbourne Synagogue president Danny Segal and his wife Jenny were among those inside enjoying Shabbat dinner at the time. 'Somebody saw smoke coming and some passers-by rang the bell and said there's something going on,' he told reporters on Saturday morning. Everyone inside evacuated safely and firefighters stopped the flames from spreading. Ms Segal said he was worried about what might have happened had the attacker gotten inside. He said the incident frightened the children. 'They were pretty scared because they felt our fear and our shock,' he said. A group of about 20 people had to flee when a man doused the front of the temple in a flammable liquid and set it alight about 8pm on Friday, Victoria Police said Investigators are still working to establish the motivation and circumstances surrounding the fire. 'There is absolutely no place in our society for anti-Semitic or hate-based behaviour,' a police spokesperson said. The synagogue, one of Australia's oldest, is close to Victoria's parliament in the heart of the city. The suspect was last seen fleeing down Albert Street towards the CBD. A short time later, protesters gathered outside Israeli restaurant Miznon on nearby Hardware Lane. Police said about 20 of them shouted 'offensive chants' and were directed to leave the area. Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said anti-Semitic terror had returned as a mob chanted 'death to the IDF', which stands for Israel Defence Forces. 'These events are a severe escalation directed towards our community and clear evidence that the anti-Semitism crisis is not only continuing but getting worse,' Mr Ryvchin said. Rabbi Dovid Gutnick (left) and Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece outside of the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation in Melbourne on Saturday Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich said the diners were terrorised. 'Melbourne, for one night, stopped being a safe place for Jews,' he said. One person was arrested for hindering police and several others were spoken to by investigators. The force said it supported the right of Victorians to protest peacefully but would not tolerate 'anti-social and violent behaviour'. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said that the attack happened on Shabbat made it more abhorrent. 'This is disgraceful behaviour by a pack of cowards,' she said. Opposition frontbencher David Southwick called for greater action to stop people filled with hate who 'hijack our streets'. 'Enough talk. The perpetrators and organisers must be found and brought to justice,' he said. Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece visited the synagogue and spoke with senior members on Saturday morning. He condemned the events and said Melbourne was a city of peace and tolerance despite the terrible events. 'Nothing that we are doing here in Melbourne is going to have any impact on the terrible events in Israel and Gaza and so we do need to ask ourselves, how do we keep ourselves together as a community?' he said. The incidents come 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, although counter-terrorism police have raided multiple properties as part of that investigation. The latest attacks also follow disagreement between Australia's special envoy to combat anti-Semitism and NSW MPs over a call to ban pro-Palestine protests from city centres. Jillian Segal gave evidence to a parliamentary inquiry examining anti-Semitism in Sydney on Friday and was pressed on her previous statements labelling the weekly demonstrations 'intimidatory' and 'sinister'. Labor MP Stephen Lawrence suggested her comments were an 'uncivil way to describe them and the people participating'.
