Latest news with #JewishAustralians
West Australian
8 hours ago
- West Australian
Adass Israel synagogue firebomb arrest: 21-year-old Werribee man arrested, allegedly started Ripponlea fire
A man has been arrested over the firebombing attack of a Jewish synagogue in Melbourne, with police alleging the 21-year-old lit the fire. On Wednesday, Victoria Police and the AFP confirmed a the Werribee man was in custody as was being interviewed, adding they believe he is one of three people responsible for the devastating blaze at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea in Melbourne's southeast. The firebombing attack shocked the nation and Jewish Australians. 'The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) has arrested a man over his alleged role in the arson that severely damaged the Adass Israel Synagogue in December 2024,' the AFP and Victoria Police joint statement said. 'The Werribee man, 21, will be interviewed in relation to the offences of arson under section 197 (1) (6) of the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), conduct endangering life arson under section 22 of the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic)and theft of motor vehicle under section 74 of the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic).' Another man, a 20-year-old from Williamstown, was arrested earlier in July, with police alleging he stole a vehicle to use as a getaway car after the attack. For arson, the individual could face 15 years in prison, while motor vehicle theft and endangering life carry a 10 year maximum sentence. Victoria Police and the AFP said: 'Further arrests and charges are expected soon.' The arrest comes after raids were carried out on Monday in numerous Melbourne Suburbs. 'JCTT investigators, with assistance from Victoria Police Special Operations Group and AFP Tactical Response, executed seven search warrants at Point Cook, Toorak, Airport West, Hadfield, Werribee, Weir Views, and Coburg today (Wednesday, 30 July, 2025),' the joint statement said. 'Various items, including electronic devices, were seized and will be forensically examined.' Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam said today's arrest is a significant step forward in the investigation, and is testament to the commitment across all agencies to hold those involved in this incident to account. 'Since the fire occurred on 6 December last year, the investigation has been one of the highest priorities for Victoria Police and the JCTT,' she said. 'Today's arrest is a demonstration of our ongoing efforts to hold those involved to account. We now have charged two people as part of this investigation and I expect there will be more to come. 'What has also been clear to us throughout this investigation is that assistance from the public is absolutely crucial and without that assistance, the investigation would not be where it is today. 'We know there are people out there with information that will progress this investigation – whether that is people we have already spoken to or others who are yet to come forward. 'Again, I appeal for those people to contact police. If you have any details at all about those involved and their motivation, then we want to hear from you. Even the smallest detail or piece of information could prove crucial. 'I want to reassure people that Victoria Police will continue to work with our law enforcement partners including the AFP and ASIO to do everything we can to bring this investigation to a successful conclusion as soon as possible.' The state's new Chief Commissioner, Mike Bush said the force would continue to be 'relentless' in going after those responsible and enforcing the full extent of the law. 'Victoria Police has seen first-hand the impact this incident has had in the Victorian community – the fear and distress a crime like this can cause,' he said on Wednesday. 'People deserve to be safe and feel safe, particularly when it comes to their places of worship. This is not negotiable in any way. We remain committed to identifying all those who seek to cause this kind of fear and harm, and ensuring they are brought to justice.' The investigation, which has been ongoing since December, has been something the AFP say has been worked 'tirelessly' on. 'The gravity of this crime has not been lessened by time, and I can confirm the JCTT continues to investigate the arson attack as a politically-motivated crime,' AFP Deputy Commissioner National Security Krissy Barrett said. 'We will not let this go unpunished in Australia. And that's why we have responded with relentless determination to pursue those responsible and hold them to account. 'This crime was despicable as it was dangerous, and it is important to acknowledge that this was not just an arson on a synagogue. 'The effect of this crime has rippled through a community that continues to be targeted by criminals. We will not stand for this, and I want to reassure the public that this is not just a priority investigation for the JCTT, but also for the AFP. 'I want to thank the Jewish community across Australia, and in particular, the Adass Israel Synagogue congregation, for their stoicism, patience, and the support they have shown the JCTT.' A press conference will be held later on Wednesday. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Perth Now
8 hours ago
- Perth Now
Man arrested over Adass Israel synagogue arson attack
A man has been arrested over the firebombing attack of a Jewish synagogue in Melbourne, with police alleging the 21-year-old lit the fire. On Wednesday, Victoria Police and the AFP confirmed a the Werribee man was in custody as was being interviewed, adding they believe he is one of three people responsible for the devastating blaze at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea in Melbourne's southeast. The firebombing attack shocked the nation and Jewish Australians. 'The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) has arrested a man over his alleged role in the arson that severely damaged the Adass Israel Synagogue in December 2024,' the AFP and Victoria Police joint statement said. 'The Werribee man, 21, will be interviewed in relation to the offences of arson under section 197 (1) (6) of the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), conduct endangering life arson under section 22 of the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic)and theft of motor vehicle under section 74 of the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic).' Another man, a 20-year-old from Williamstown, was arrested earlier in July, with police alleging he stole a vehicle to use as a getaway car after the attack. For arson, the individual could face 15 years in prison, while motor vehicle theft and endangering life carry a 10 year maximum sentence. The Adass Israel Synagogue after a firebombing in Melbourne. Credit: Adass Israel Synagogue / Adass Israel Synagogue Victoria Police and the AFP said: 'Further arrests and charges are expected soon.' The arrest comes after raids were carried out on Monday in numerous Melbourne Suburbs. 'JCTT investigators, with assistance from Victoria Police Special Operations Group and AFP Tactical Response, executed seven search warrants at Point Cook, Toorak, Airport West, Hadfield, Werribee, Weir Views, and Coburg today (Wednesday, 30 July, 2025),' the joint statement said. 'Various items, including electronic devices, were seized and will be forensically examined.' The fire at the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne. Credit: X / X Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam said today's arrest is a significant step forward in the investigation, and is testament to the commitment across all agencies to hold those involved in this incident to account. 'Since the fire occurred on 6 December last year, the investigation has been one of the highest priorities for Victoria Police and the JCTT,' she said. 'Today's arrest is a demonstration of our ongoing efforts to hold those involved to account. We now have charged two people as part of this investigation and I expect there will be more to come. 'What has also been clear to us throughout this investigation is that assistance from the public is absolutely crucial and without that assistance, the investigation would not be where it is today. 'We know there are people out there with information that will progress this investigation – whether that is people we have already spoken to or others who are yet to come forward. 'Again, I appeal for those people to contact police. If you have any details at all about those involved and their motivation, then we want to hear from you. Even the smallest detail or piece of information could prove crucial. 'I want to reassure people that Victoria Police will continue to work with our law enforcement partners including the AFP and ASIO to do everything we can to bring this investigation to a successful conclusion as soon as possible.' The state's new Chief Commissioner, Mike Bush said the force would continue to be 'relentless' in going after those responsible and enforcing the full extent of the law. 'Victoria Police has seen first-hand the impact this incident has had in the Victorian community – the fear and distress a crime like this can cause,' he said on Wednesday. 'People deserve to be safe and feel safe, particularly when it comes to their places of worship. This is not negotiable in any way. We remain committed to identifying all those who seek to cause this kind of fear and harm, and ensuring they are brought to justice.' Damaged items in the synagogue. Credit: Adass Israel Synagogue / Adass Israel Synagogue The investigation, which has been ongoing since December, has been something the AFP say has been worked 'tirelessly' on. 'The gravity of this crime has not been lessened by time, and I can confirm the JCTT continues to investigate the arson attack as a politically-motivated crime,' AFP Deputy Commissioner National Security Krissy Barrett said. 'We will not let this go unpunished in Australia. And that's why we have responded with relentless determination to pursue those responsible and hold them to account. 'This crime was despicable as it was dangerous, and it is important to acknowledge that this was not just an arson on a synagogue. 'The effect of this crime has rippled through a community that continues to be targeted by criminals. We will not stand for this, and I want to reassure the public that this is not just a priority investigation for the JCTT, but also for the AFP. 'I want to thank the Jewish community across Australia, and in particular, the Adass Israel Synagogue congregation, for their stoicism, patience, and the support they have shown the JCTT.' A press conference will be held later on Wednesday. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The Age
16 hours ago
- Politics
- The Age
The ‘justice warrior' who has raised the ire of Chris Minns
Recently, he launched a constitutional challenge to laws introduced by the Minns government restricting protests near places of worship. Greens MP Sue Higginson is a fan. She describes him as a justice warrior. 'Josh is somebody who is deeply respectful of the people he works with, and he's deeply respectful of our democracy,' she said. 'I mean that in the sense of our legal process, including the way our laws are made and the way the courts uphold them.' Little is known about Lees' personal background. He holds a degree in political economy from the University of Sydney, a course that has long attracted politically motivated students because it's based on the premise that economies aren't just mathematical systems, but influenced by power and social forces (Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is a more famous graduate). He grew up in a pro-trade union household, but his shift to the far left of politics happened towards the end of his time at university. He writes for Red Flag, a newspaper published by the political group Socialist Alternative, socialists who are also known as Trotskyists (and who are loathed by Minns' faction, the Labor right). He has a day job, but has never given any hints about what that might be. He lives in the inner west and grew up in Sydney's north-west. Much has been made of his strawberry-blond man bun. He has faced a few minor charges relating to protest activity, many of which have been dismissed. He refused to be interviewed or photographed for this piece. Minns, who has previously flagged the possibility of making it harder for Palestinian protesters to obtain a permit, has said a march across the bridge would throw the city into chaos and would not be allowed under any circumstances, even if more notice had been given. A march is supported by the Greens, but opposed by the Jewish community and the NSW opposition. 'I vehemently support the right of free protest, but like all rights, it's not unlimited,' said Alex Ryvchin from the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, who argues the weekly pro-Palestine protests have empowered others to persecute Jewish Australians. 'Because [the protesters are] extremist by nature, they try to exploit every right to the extreme.' Lees is not alone in his concern about the government's attempts to curtail protests in NSW, a debate that has been reignited by Minns' opposition to the bridge march. There are concerns from human rights groups, the legal fraternity and even from within Labor. The most recent Labor critic is upper house MP and barrister Stephen Lawrence, who said community concern about the situation in Gaza was increasing, and senior political leaders across both major parties had created an environment that was 'hostile to protests concerned with the rights of Palestinian people'. Loading Regardless of whether the march across the bridge goes ahead on the weekend, Chris Minns has not seen the last of Josh Lees. 'The best way to fight for the right to protest,' Lees has written in Red Flag, 'is to protest, in bigger numbers than ever.'
Sydney Morning Herald
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
The ‘justice warrior' who has raised the ire of Chris Minns
Recently, he launched a constitutional challenge to laws introduced by the Minns government restricting protests near places of worship. Greens MP Sue Higginson is a fan. She describes him as a justice warrior. 'Josh is somebody who is deeply respectful of the people he works with, and he's deeply respectful of our democracy,' she said. 'I mean that in the sense of our legal process, including the way our laws are made and the way the courts uphold them.' Little is known about Lees' personal background. He holds a degree in political economy from the University of Sydney, a course that has long attracted politically motivated students because it's based on the premise that economies aren't just mathematical systems, but influenced by power and social forces (Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is a more famous graduate). He grew up in a pro-trade union household, but his shift to the far left of politics happened towards the end of his time at university. He writes for Red Flag, a newspaper published by the political group Socialist Alternative, socialists who are also known as Trotskyists (and who are loathed by Minns' faction, the Labor right). He has a day job, but has never given any hints about what that might be. He lives in the inner west and grew up in Sydney's north-west. Much has been made of his strawberry-blond man bun. He has faced a few minor charges relating to protest activity, many of which have been dismissed. He refused to be interviewed or photographed for this piece. Minns, who has previously flagged the possibility of making it harder for Palestinian protesters to obtain a permit, has said a march across the bridge would throw the city into chaos and would not be allowed under any circumstances, even if more notice had been given. A march is supported by the Greens, but opposed by the Jewish community and the NSW opposition. 'I vehemently support the right of free protest, but like all rights, it's not unlimited,' said Alex Ryvchin from the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, who argues the weekly pro-Palestine protests have empowered others to persecute Jewish Australians. 'Because [the protesters are] extremist by nature, they try to exploit every right to the extreme.' Lees is not alone in his concern about the government's attempts to curtail protests in NSW, a debate that has been reignited by Minns' opposition to the bridge march. There are concerns from human rights groups, the legal fraternity and even from within Labor. The most recent Labor critic is upper house MP and barrister Stephen Lawrence, who said community concern about the situation in Gaza was increasing, and senior political leaders across both major parties had created an environment that was 'hostile to protests concerned with the rights of Palestinian people'. Loading Regardless of whether the march across the bridge goes ahead on the weekend, Chris Minns has not seen the last of Josh Lees. 'The best way to fight for the right to protest,' Lees has written in Red Flag, 'is to protest, in bigger numbers than ever.'
The Age
15-07-2025
- Politics
- The Age
What is the controversial definition of antisemitism that institutions are being told to adopt?
Antisemitism envoy Jillian Segal released a plan last week with 49 steps to tackle rising discrimination against Jewish Australians. At the core of the report is a definition of antisemitism by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, which has become a lightning rod for criticism. Segal's recommendation to embed the alliance's definition in all public institutions last week came after a host of antisemitic attacks across Australia this year, including the doors of the East Melbourne synagogue being set alight earlier this month, and children at Jewish schools in Sydney being harassed with calls of 'Heil Hitler'. However, pro-Palestinian and some human rights organisations fear the definition may stifle legitimate criticism of Israel and its government by tying antisemitism to anti-Zionism, limiting the free speech. So what is the definition? How widely used is it? And why has it become controversial? What is the IHRA, and its definition of antisemitism? The alliance was established by the Stockholm International Forum, a series of conferences held between 2000 and 2004, and convened by then-Swedish prime minister Göran Persson. The conferences were held to combat 'the growth of extreme right-wing groups' that were spreading propaganda in schools, and to address a survey of Swedish young people that found knowledge of the Holocaust 'was deficient and that a large number of teenagers were not even certain that it had taken place', according to the Swedish government. There are now 35 member states of IHRA, including Australia, Israel, the UK and the US, all of which adopted a 'non-legally binding working definition' of antisemitism in May 2016. The definition adopted by the alliance states:
