Latest news with #DvirAbramovich
Sky News AU
6 days ago
- Politics
- Sky News AU
Year 5 Mount Scopus Memorial College students receive vile antisemitic abuse during trip to Melbourne Museum
Vile abuse was hurled at a group of Jewish primary school students from Mount Scopus Memorial College during an excursion to Melbourne Museum, marking the latest escalation in a string of antisemitic attacks across Australia. The year 5 students, aged between 10 and 11, were called "dirty Jews" by high school students from a different institution as they shouted chants of 'free, free Palestine'. The abuse occurred on Thursday while the two groups were taking part in an activity in a shared space at the Melbourne Museum. Mount Scopus Memorial's deputy principal Greg Hannon told parents in a letter seen by the Herald Sun that he would be contacting the head of the other school. 'Our group leader immediately confronted the senior school educators to address the behaviour of their students,' he said. 'Upon returning to the college, we conducted a wellbeing check on all students to ensure they felt safe and supported.' The incident has outraged families of the young students, with one parent saying on social media that his son had been called a "dirty Jew", and labelled the act "pure, unadulterated antisemitism". 'Today, my 10-year-old son went on an excursion to the Melbourne Museum,' he said. 'What should have been a day of learning and culture turned into a terrifying experience when he and his classmates were targeted by high school students from a different school. 'They were tapped on the shoulder and then chanted at by these 16 and 17 year old students 'free Palestine' and then, as they walked away, were called 'dirty Jews' and other racist comments.' 'This is not a political debate; this is pure, unadulterated anti-Semitism and hate.' This is not the first time Mount Scopus has been the target of antisemitic abuse. Last year the leading Jewish school was defaced with hateful graffiti inciting death upon Jews, with parents keeping their children at home out of fear. The words 'Jew die' were daubed in black spray paint on the school's white fence. Dr Dvir Abramovich, chair of the Anti-Defamation Commission, is pushing for an investigation into the ''chilling'' Melbourne Museum incident from the Department of Education. 'What happened at the Melbourne Museum is unforgivable and chilling,' Dr Abramovich said. Executive Council of Australian Jewry chief executive Alex Ryvchin also criticised the high school students for bringing 'disgrace to themselves, their school and their country'. 'Where would Australian high school students learn this behaviour?' he said. 'Form the belief that it is OK, even righteous to see a Jewish symbol on the uniforms of 8 and 9 year olds and subject them to chants about Palestine?' 'It comes from a certain moral collapse brought about by nearly two years of normalised abuse and violence, where anyone who holds an opposing view on the war is a Nazi and a baby-killer, where anything down to Jews living peacefully on the other side of the world is justified, or if impossible to defend, it's a false flag.' There has been a rise in both antisemitic and Islamophobic attacks since the Israel-Hamas war gripped the world on October 7, 2023. The Labor government's response to the escalation in antisemtic attacks has been widely criticised by the nation as well as Israeli officials. It comes as Australia's Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Jillian Segal vowed to call out the Albanese government if they don't support her in battling antisemitism in Australia. Ms Segal handed down a major report earlier this month, outlining a series of measures to combat antisemitism she claimed had 'reached a tipping point that threatens social harmony, undermines trust in institutions and marginalises Jewish Australian citizens'. Pressure is mounting against Mr Albanese to implement 49 of Ms Segal's recommendations in the report, which advises stripping funding from universities and artists if they fail to act against antisemitism. The Labor government has not yet committed to the recommendations, but Mr Albanese indicated he was open to parts of the plan.
The Age
14-07-2025
- The Age
Anonymous ‘group' claims responsibility for attack on Israel-linked military parts maker
The individual goes on to threaten violence against Lovitt Technologies employees: 'Every worker in this supply chain is complicit … We will decide your fate as you have decided the fate of millions. 'For the past few months, we have been closely watching you. We have your addresses. All the information we have about you will be distributed to our underground networks.' The video began circulating widely online on Monday after it was uploaded to an anonymous Instagram account, but it was first reported by The Guardian late last week. A Victoria Police spokesperson said on Monday that the investigation into the vandal attack had been escalated to its counterterrorism unit. 'The matter is now being investigated by the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team, which includes personnel from Victoria Police, the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation. 'Investigators are aware of a video which has been circulating where a group has claimed responsibility for the incident. This video is being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation,' the spokesperson said. Loading Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, said failing to confront the threat of extremist behaviour would harm Australia. 'Seeing a group resembling an al-Qaeda terror cell openly pledging to carry out criminal acts is chilling and disturbing. It doesn't matter that they think they're doing something just and righteous – Islamist terrorists and neo-Nazis think that too. 'What matters is that we remain a country of laws and not allow bands of zealots to decide what is a legitimate target for violence and criminal acts. ' Dvir Abramovich, chair of the Anti-Defamation Commission described the video as a 'manifesto of violence'. 'The people targeted in this video are ordinary Australians. Parents who pack school lunches. Children who kiss them goodnight. 'They were not just threatened, they were told they were being watched. We now face a chilling question: what happens when a campaign of hate leaves the internet and enters your driveway? What happens when slogans turn to gasoline? This is not an isolated episode.' The vandal attack occurred the same night that Sydney man Angelo Loras allegedly attempted to firebomb an East Melbourne synagogue with children and families inside, and 20 people stormed Israeli restaurant Miznon in Melbourne's CBD. Police have not found a formal link between the three incidents or determined if the firebombing was an act of terror. A Lovitt Technologies spokesperson declined to comment, citing the police investigation. Loading The video footage emerged as Victorian Opposition Leader Brad Battin called on the state's new police chief, Mike Bush, to explain what he planned to do to stop expressions of anti-Jewish hatred at public demonstrations. Bush has officially been in the job for two weeks and attended the first meeting of Premier Jacinta Allan's new anti-hate taskforce. Battin expressed frustration that during last Sunday's regular pro-Palestine rally in central Melbourne, protesters chanted 'Death to the IDF' and displayed swastikas without intervention by police who were monitoring the march. 'Mike Bush, obviously, he is fairly new in the job and we will give him the benefit of the doubt, but he needs to be coming out and explaining what he is doing when it comes to the protests here in this state,' Battin said. 'Is he acting on policy from the Victorian government or is he going to go out and start acting to ensure that we can take back the streets and not have this hate speech on Victorian streets? Battin restated his support for the re-introduction of move-on laws for police and backed a recommendation by Australia's Special Envoy for Antisemitism, Jillian Segal, to withdraw government funding from public universities, broadcasters and other organisations which tolerated antisemitism.
Sydney Morning Herald
14-07-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
Anonymous ‘group' claims responsibility for attack on Israel-linked military parts maker
The individual goes on to threaten violence against Lovitt Technologies employees: 'Every worker in this supply chain is complicit … We will decide your fate as you have decided the fate of millions. 'For the past few months, we have been closely watching you. We have your addresses. All the information we have about you will be distributed to our underground networks.' The video began circulating widely online on Monday after it was uploaded to an anonymous Instagram account, but it was first reported by The Guardian late last week. A Victoria Police spokesperson said on Monday that the investigation into the vandal attack had been escalated to its counterterrorism unit. 'The matter is now being investigated by the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team, which includes personnel from Victoria Police, the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation. 'Investigators are aware of a video which has been circulating where a group has claimed responsibility for the incident. This video is being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation,' the spokesperson said. Loading Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, said failing to confront the threat of extremist behaviour would harm Australia. 'Seeing a group resembling an al-Qaeda terror cell openly pledging to carry out criminal acts is chilling and disturbing. It doesn't matter that they think they're doing something just and righteous – Islamist terrorists and neo-Nazis think that too. 'What matters is that we remain a country of laws and not allow bands of zealots to decide what is a legitimate target for violence and criminal acts. ' Dvir Abramovich, chair of the Anti-Defamation Commission described the video as a 'manifesto of violence'. 'The people targeted in this video are ordinary Australians. Parents who pack school lunches. Children who kiss them goodnight. 'They were not just threatened, they were told they were being watched. We now face a chilling question: what happens when a campaign of hate leaves the internet and enters your driveway? What happens when slogans turn to gasoline? This is not an isolated episode.' The vandal attack occurred the same night that Sydney man Angelo Loras allegedly attempted to firebomb an East Melbourne synagogue with children and families inside, and 20 people stormed Israeli restaurant Miznon in Melbourne's CBD. Police have not found a formal link between the three incidents or determined if the firebombing was an act of terror. A Lovitt Technologies spokesperson declined to comment, citing the police investigation. Loading The video footage emerged as Victorian Opposition Leader Brad Battin called on the state's new police chief, Mike Bush, to explain what he planned to do to stop expressions of anti-Jewish hatred at public demonstrations. Bush has officially been in the job for two weeks and attended the first meeting of Premier Jacinta Allan's new anti-hate taskforce. Battin expressed frustration that during last Sunday's regular pro-Palestine rally in central Melbourne, protesters chanted 'Death to the IDF' and displayed swastikas without intervention by police who were monitoring the march. 'Mike Bush, obviously, he is fairly new in the job and we will give him the benefit of the doubt, but he needs to be coming out and explaining what he is doing when it comes to the protests here in this state,' Battin said. 'Is he acting on policy from the Victorian government or is he going to go out and start acting to ensure that we can take back the streets and not have this hate speech on Victorian streets? Battin restated his support for the re-introduction of move-on laws for police and backed a recommendation by Australia's Special Envoy for Antisemitism, Jillian Segal, to withdraw government funding from public universities, broadcasters and other organisations which tolerated antisemitism.
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."
The Advertiser
05-07-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Synagogue set alight, protest at Israeli restaurant
An arson attack at a synagogue has forced worshippers to flee, just as protesters descended on an Israeli restaurant nearby shouting "offensive chants". About 20 people at the synagogue fled after a man doused the front of the East Melbourne building in a flammable liquid and set it alight about 8pm on Friday, police said. Everyone inside was able to evacuate through a rear exit and there are no reports of injuries. Firefighters contained blaze to the front of the building. "Police are still working to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the fire including the motivation behind the incident," a Victoria Police spokesperson said. "There is absolutely no place in our society for anti-Semitic or hate-based behaviour." The East Melbourne Synagogue, on of Australia's oldest, is located close to Victoria's parliament in the heart of the city. The suspect was last seen fleeing down Albert Street towards the CBD. A short time later, protesters gathered outside Israeli restaurant Miznon on Hardware Lane in the heart of the city. Police say about 20 demonstrators shouted "offensive chants" and were directed to leave the area. Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich said diners were terrorised as the group chanted "Death to the IDF". "Melbourne, for one night, stopped being a safe place for Jews," Dr Abramovich said. One person was arrested for hindering police and several others were spoken to by investigators. The force said it supports the right of Victorians to protest peacefully but would not tolerate "anti-social and violent behaviour" witnessed. It comes seven months after a devastating fire at the Adass Israel Synagogue at Ripponlea in the city's south. Two of the synagogue's three buildings were destroyed in the early-morning blaze, which also forced members of the congregation to flee. No charges have been laid however counter-terrorism police have raided multiple properties as part of that investigation. The latest incidents 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 previous statements where she labelled the weekly demonstrations as "intimidatory" and "sinister". Labor MP Stephen Lawrence suggested her comments were an "uncivil way to describe them and the people participating". An arson attack at a synagogue has forced worshippers to flee, just as protesters descended on an Israeli restaurant nearby shouting "offensive chants". About 20 people at the synagogue fled after a man doused the front of the East Melbourne building in a flammable liquid and set it alight about 8pm on Friday, police said. Everyone inside was able to evacuate through a rear exit and there are no reports of injuries. Firefighters contained blaze to the front of the building. "Police are still working to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the fire including the motivation behind the incident," a Victoria Police spokesperson said. "There is absolutely no place in our society for anti-Semitic or hate-based behaviour." The East Melbourne Synagogue, on of Australia's oldest, is located close to Victoria's parliament in the heart of the city. The suspect was last seen fleeing down Albert Street towards the CBD. A short time later, protesters gathered outside Israeli restaurant Miznon on Hardware Lane in the heart of the city. Police say about 20 demonstrators shouted "offensive chants" and were directed to leave the area. Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich said diners were terrorised as the group chanted "Death to the IDF". "Melbourne, for one night, stopped being a safe place for Jews," Dr Abramovich said. One person was arrested for hindering police and several others were spoken to by investigators. The force said it supports the right of Victorians to protest peacefully but would not tolerate "anti-social and violent behaviour" witnessed. It comes seven months after a devastating fire at the Adass Israel Synagogue at Ripponlea in the city's south. Two of the synagogue's three buildings were destroyed in the early-morning blaze, which also forced members of the congregation to flee. No charges have been laid however counter-terrorism police have raided multiple properties as part of that investigation. The latest incidents 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 previous statements where she labelled the weekly demonstrations as "intimidatory" and "sinister". Labor MP Stephen Lawrence suggested her comments were an "uncivil way to describe them and the people participating". An arson attack at a synagogue has forced worshippers to flee, just as protesters descended on an Israeli restaurant nearby shouting "offensive chants". About 20 people at the synagogue fled after a man doused the front of the East Melbourne building in a flammable liquid and set it alight about 8pm on Friday, police said. Everyone inside was able to evacuate through a rear exit and there are no reports of injuries. Firefighters contained blaze to the front of the building. "Police are still working to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the fire including the motivation behind the incident," a Victoria Police spokesperson said. "There is absolutely no place in our society for anti-Semitic or hate-based behaviour." The East Melbourne Synagogue, on of Australia's oldest, is located close to Victoria's parliament in the heart of the city. The suspect was last seen fleeing down Albert Street towards the CBD. A short time later, protesters gathered outside Israeli restaurant Miznon on Hardware Lane in the heart of the city. Police say about 20 demonstrators shouted "offensive chants" and were directed to leave the area. Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich said diners were terrorised as the group chanted "Death to the IDF". "Melbourne, for one night, stopped being a safe place for Jews," Dr Abramovich said. One person was arrested for hindering police and several others were spoken to by investigators. The force said it supports the right of Victorians to protest peacefully but would not tolerate "anti-social and violent behaviour" witnessed. It comes seven months after a devastating fire at the Adass Israel Synagogue at Ripponlea in the city's south. Two of the synagogue's three buildings were destroyed in the early-morning blaze, which also forced members of the congregation to flee. No charges have been laid however counter-terrorism police have raided multiple properties as part of that investigation. The latest incidents 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 previous statements where she labelled the weekly demonstrations as "intimidatory" and "sinister". Labor MP Stephen Lawrence suggested her comments were an "uncivil way to describe them and the people participating". An arson attack at a synagogue has forced worshippers to flee, just as protesters descended on an Israeli restaurant nearby shouting "offensive chants". About 20 people at the synagogue fled after a man doused the front of the East Melbourne building in a flammable liquid and set it alight about 8pm on Friday, police said. Everyone inside was able to evacuate through a rear exit and there are no reports of injuries. Firefighters contained blaze to the front of the building. "Police are still working to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the fire including the motivation behind the incident," a Victoria Police spokesperson said. "There is absolutely no place in our society for anti-Semitic or hate-based behaviour." The East Melbourne Synagogue, on of Australia's oldest, is located close to Victoria's parliament in the heart of the city. The suspect was last seen fleeing down Albert Street towards the CBD. A short time later, protesters gathered outside Israeli restaurant Miznon on Hardware Lane in the heart of the city. Police say about 20 demonstrators shouted "offensive chants" and were directed to leave the area. Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich said diners were terrorised as the group chanted "Death to the IDF". "Melbourne, for one night, stopped being a safe place for Jews," Dr Abramovich said. One person was arrested for hindering police and several others were spoken to by investigators. The force said it supports the right of Victorians to protest peacefully but would not tolerate "anti-social and violent behaviour" witnessed. It comes seven months after a devastating fire at the Adass Israel Synagogue at Ripponlea in the city's south. Two of the synagogue's three buildings were destroyed in the early-morning blaze, which also forced members of the congregation to flee. No charges have been laid however counter-terrorism police have raided multiple properties as part of that investigation. The latest incidents 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 previous statements where she labelled the weekly demonstrations as "intimidatory" and "sinister". Labor MP Stephen Lawrence suggested her comments were an "uncivil way to describe them and the people participating".
