Latest news with #Meltzer
1News
07-07-2025
- 1News
Kiwi describes being inside Melbourne synagogue as it was set on fire
A New Zealander inside a Melbourne synagogue subject to an alleged arson attack on Friday says it is a worrying escalation from "hate speech into violence". Flammable liquid was poured over a door and set alight on Friday. About 20 people were in the East Melbourne Synagogue at the time of the attack. Counter terrorism police have arrested a 34-year-old man. Also in Melbourne, on the same night, about 20 masked protesters harassed diners at an Israeli-owned restaurant. Three cars were also set on fire outside a Melbourne business. One of those inside the Melbourne synagogue on Friday evening was New Zealander Murray Meltzer. ADVERTISEMENT He told RNZ's Morning Report it was a "very tranquil" service before the attack. "Congregants meet there every week on a Friday around sunset for the Shabbat services, and regularly a handful of us meet for dinner afterwards — that's what was happening on Friday night." Shortly before 8pm, soon after dinner began, the synagogue's bell began ringing "repeatedly, which is unusual". "One of the children, around age 13, was playing at the front of the building," Meltzer said. They glanced at the CCTV monitor — which Meltzer called an "unfortunate sign of the times [with] concern about rising anti-Semitism" — and ran towards the back. "By then there was smoke starting to creep under the front entrance and find its way into the central synagogue sanctuary area, and as a result of that, we obviously ran to the front initially to try and put out the fire. Everyone else was at the back of the building. "And by then we had a couple of passersby that had spotted the flames developing at the front of the building called the fire brigade, which is located fairly close by, so fortunately, the fire brigade was there very quickly, thank goodness." ADVERTISEMENT An unknown man entered the grounds of the synagogue on Albert Street in East Melbourne at 8pm yesterday. (Source: Google Maps) The gravity of what had happened — not just at the synagogue, but elsewhere — "hit home the next day" when people showed up for the Saturday morning service and there was a "large press crowd there". There has been a rise in the number of anti-Jewish and Islamophobic incidents in Australia since the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza war in 2023. In December last year, another synagogue in Melbourne was set alight. Australia in early 2024 banned Nazi salutes and the public display of symbols associated with designated terror groups like Islamic State and Hamas. Last week it cancelled American rapper Kanye West's visa after he released a song Heil Hitler, praising the genocidal Nazi Party leader. A synagogue in Sydney earlier this year was graffitied with swastikas, while in December anti-Islamic graffiti appeared in the city's west. The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including deadly Texas floods, Australian woman attacked by a lion, and Elon Musk's new political party. (Source: 1News) ADVERTISEMENT Meltzer said whoever lit the latest fire in Melbourne would have known there were people inside as all the lights were on. "It's shifted the sort of activity we've seen in recent times from, from just a bit of hate speech and people's right to protest and stand up and say what their views are — just sort of, kind of shifted it quite dramatically. It's been left to fester and develop, and I guess the speech has moved from just a bit of hate speech into violence. "And that's a real, that's a real, that's a real concern for us as a community." Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke condemned the attack as an "attack on Australia". (Source: Nine) 'Attack on Australia' Meltzer praised politicians from both sides of the Australian political divide for condemning the incidents. The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he viewed the incidents with "utmost gravity," and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said they "have no place in our country". ADVERTISEMENT "Australians have every right to be able to conduct their faith, to engage with each other in peace and harmony. That is the Australia that we cherish." Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, speaking from the scene on Sunday, called it an "attack on Australia". "There's been some reporting that no one was physically injured — that doesn't mean no one was harmed. The community here was harmed. The Jewish community in Australia was harmed, and we were harmed as a nation."
Otago Daily Times
06-07-2025
- Otago Daily Times
New Zealander inside synagogue during attack fears escalation in 'violence'
A New Zealander inside a Melbourne synagogue subject to an alleged arson attack on Friday says it is a worrying escalation from "hate speech into violence". Flammable liquid was poured over a door and set alight on Friday. About 20 people were in the East Melbourne Synagogue at the time of the attack. Counter terrorism police have arrested a 34-year-old man. Also in Melbourne, on the same night, about 20 masked protesters harassed diners at an Israeli-owned restaurant. Three cars were also set on fire outside a Melbourne business. One of those inside the Melbourne synagogue on Friday evening was New Zealander Murray Meltzer. He said it was a "very tranquil" service before the attack. "Congregants meet there every week on a Friday around sunset for the Shabbat services, and, regularly a handful of us meet for dinner afterwards - that's what was happening on Friday night." Shortly before 8pm, soon after dinner began, the synagogue's bell began ringing "repeatedly, which is unusual". "One of the children, around age 13, was playing at the front of the building," Meltzer said. They glanced at the CCTV monitor - which Meltzer called an "unfortunate sign of the times [with] concern about rising anti-Semitism" - and ran towards the back. "By then there was smoke starting to creep under the front entrance and find its way into the central synagogue sanctuary area, and as a result of that, we obviously ran to the front initially to try and put out the fire. Everyone else was at the back of the building. "And by then we had a couple of passers-by that had spotted the flames developing at the front of the building called the fire brigade, which is located fairly close by, so fortunately, the fire brigade was there very quickly, thank goodness." The gravity of what had happened - not just at the synagogue, but elsewhere - "hit home the next day" when people showed up for the Saturday morning service and there was a "large press crowd there". There has been a rise in the number of anti-Jewish and Islamophobic incidents in Australia since the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza war in 2023. In December last year, another synagogue in Melbourne was set alight. Australia in early 2024 banned Nazi salutes and the public display of symbols associated with designated terror groups like Islamic State and Hamas. Last week it cancelled American rapper Kanye West's visa after he released a song 'Heil Hitler', praising the genocidal Nazi Party leader. A synagogue in Sydney earlier this year was graffitied with swastikas, while in December anti-Islamic graffiti appeared in the city's west. Meltzer said whoever lit the latest fire in Melbourne would have known there were people inside as all the lights were on. "It's shifted the sort of activity we've seen in recent times from, from just a bit of hate speech and people's right to protest and stand up and say what their views are - just sort of, kind of shifted it quite dramatically. It's been left to fester and develop and I guess the speech has moved from just a bit of hate speech into violence. "And that's a real, that's a real, that's a real concern for us as a community." 'Attack on Australia' Meltzer praised politicians from both sides of the Australian political divide for condemning the incidents. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu said he viewed the incidents with "utmost gravity", and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said they "have no place in our country". "Australians have every right to be able to conduct their faith, to engage with each other in peace and harmony. That is the Australia that we cherish." Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, speaking from the scene on Sunday, called it an "attack on Australia". "There's been some reporting that no one was physically injured - that doesn't mean no one was harmed. The community here was harmed. The Jewish community in Australia was harmed, and we were harmed as a nation."
Otago Daily Times
06-07-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Kiwi inside synagogue at centre of attack fears escalation
A New Zealander inside a Melbourne synagogue subject to an alleged arson attack on Friday says it is a worrying escalation from "hate speech into violence". Flammable liquid was poured over a door and set alight on Friday. About 20 people were in the East Melbourne Synagogue at the time of the attack. Counter terrorism police have arrested a 34-year-old man. Also in Melbourne, on the same night, about 20 masked protesters harassed diners at an Israeli-owned restaurant. Three cars were also set on fire outside a Melbourne business. One of those inside the Melbourne synagogue on Friday evening was New Zealander Murray Meltzer. He said it was a "very tranquil" service before the attack. "Congregants meet there every week on a Friday around sunset for the Shabbat services, and, regularly a handful of us meet for dinner afterwards - that's what was happening on Friday night." Shortly before 8pm, soon after dinner began, the synagogue's bell began ringing "repeatedly, which is unusual". "One of the children, around age 13, was playing at the front of the building," Meltzer said. They glanced at the CCTV monitor - which Meltzer called an "unfortunate sign of the times [with] concern about rising anti-Semitism" - and ran towards the back. "By then there was smoke starting to creep under the front entrance and find its way into the central synagogue sanctuary area, and as a result of that, we obviously ran to the front initially to try and put out the fire. Everyone else was at the back of the building. "And by then we had a couple of passers-by that had spotted the flames developing at the front of the building called the fire brigade, which is located fairly close by, so fortunately, the fire brigade was there very quickly, thank goodness." The gravity of what had happened - not just at the synagogue, but elsewhere - "hit home the next day" when people showed up for the Saturday morning service and there was a "large press crowd there". There has been a rise in the number of anti-Jewish and Islamophobic incidents in Australia since the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza war in 2023. In December last year, another synagogue in Melbourne was set alight. Australia in early 2024 banned Nazi salutes and the public display of symbols associated with designated terror groups like Islamic State and Hamas. Last week it cancelled American rapper Kanye West's visa after he released a song 'Heil Hitler', praising the genocidal Nazi Party leader. A synagogue in Sydney earlier this year was graffitied with swastikas, while in December anti-Islamic graffiti appeared in the city's west. Meltzer said whoever lit the latest fire in Melbourne would have known there were people inside as all the lights were on. "It's shifted the sort of activity we've seen in recent times from, from just a bit of hate speech and people's right to protest and stand up and say what their views are - just sort of, kind of shifted it quite dramatically. It's been left to fester and develop and I guess the speech has moved from just a bit of hate speech into violence. "And that's a real, that's a real, that's a real concern for us as a community." 'Attack on Australia' Meltzer praised politicians from both sides of the Australian political divide for condemning the incidents. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu said he viewed the incidents with "utmost gravity", and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said they "have no place in our country". "Australians have every right to be able to conduct their faith, to engage with each other in peace and harmony. That is the Australia that we cherish." Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, speaking from the scene on Sunday, called it an "attack on Australia". "There's been some reporting that no one was physically injured - that doesn't mean no one was harmed. The community here was harmed. The Jewish community in Australia was harmed, and we were harmed as a nation."
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
"That's where this is going": Dave Meltzer doesn't hold back on the future of WWE
Dave Meltzer (Image via YouTube) Dave Meltzer is a renowned name in the world of wrestling, having been associated with it for decades. The sports historian and wrestling journalist has been the publisher and editor of Wrestling Observer Newsletter, known to everyone as WON, since 1983, and has made his reputation into something revered, especially in the world of sports journalism. So when he shares his opinion, it's bound to have listeners. And his latest take on how advertising is taking over wrestling is one of those. Dave Meltzer's take on advertising in WWE Dave Meltzer says it like he sees it. He has not been called "the most accomplished reporter in sports journalism" just because he can cover a story well. He has been in this industry for long enough to know when and how things begin to make an impact. And recently, he spoke of how advertising is becoming a big part of WWE , maybe more than it should. A recent post on his dirtsheet read: 'I expect ads on ring gear soon. Seriously. That's not a joke. That's where this is going. There's no limit to it. If there's a blank space on screen, TKO wants to monetize it.' With the way TKO Holdings has been monetizing the WWE is something quite a few people have spoken about. The parent company that runs the WWE is profit-minded like any other, and advertisements have been a big part of that. Maybe Meltzer's view is not too far off, as they have already been using ads on the ring and the screens. Maybe ring gears are next; who knows! Fans react to Dave Meltzer's latest take Fans are, of course, quick to make memes and add funny anecdotes to anything that happens. The Internet did its thing this time around as well, and as soon as the Wrestling Observer Newsletter post went online, WWE fans made sure to share their thoughts on the matter. From people saying it's just the way of the corporate, to some criticizing TKO, everyone had a cent to add to the conversation. While the chicken wing Dom idea is funny, is this really where wrestling is moving towards? What do the fans really have to say about this? Also Read: Recalling John Cena's bombshell announcement at Money in the Bank 2024 before his upcoming tag team extravaganza at the 2025 mega-event
Newsweek
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Released WWE Star R-Truth Has Strong Interest From Top Promotion: Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The recent WWE departure of beloved veteran R-Truth was reportedly a financial decision made by the company. According to Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, R-Truth's contract was so high that for the level they were using him they felt it made no sense to renew it. This news surprised some. He had literally just come off a program that led to a high-profile match with WWE Champ John Cena at Saturday Night's Main Event. Meltzer reported that the news of his exit was met with significant unhappiness within the WWE locker room. There were a lot of wrestlers who were very unhappy because he was so popular with the talent. WWE fans also voiced their support, with chants for R-Truth on the June 2nd episode of Raw after his departure became public. The situation was reportedly handled carefully backstage. Meltzer noted, "Talent was reportedly told no R-Truth T-shirts on Raw, but Rhea Ripley was wearing one backstage and took it off before going on TV." INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 06: R-Truth attends Netflix's Debut of WWE Monday Night Raw at Intuit Dome on January 06, 2025 in Inglewood, California INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 06: R-Truth attends Netflix's Debut of WWE Monday Night Raw at Intuit Dome on January 06, 2025 in Inglewood, California More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Looking ahead, a return to a former home could be in the cards for R-Truth. Meltzer stated that those in TNA have already said that they want to make him an offer, and for that company, he'll come in fairly hot. This would mark a significant homecoming for the star. Truth had a historic run in TNA from 2002 to 2007 between his WWE stints. Wrestling as Ron "The Truth" Killings, he became a main event player in TNA. In August 2002, he made history by defeating Ken Shamrock to become the first-ever recognized African-American NWA World Heavyweight Champion. It was a title he would go on to hold a second time. During his TNA tenure, he also showcased his charisma as a founding member of the popular 3Live Kru faction alongside Konnan and B.G. James (formerly Road Dogg in WWE). TNA is where he also held tag team gold. His time in TNA featured a more serious and aggressive persona compared to the comedic character he later perfected in his second, lengthy WWE run. It would also give him a chance to return to WWE if he so wanted to do so one day as TNA and WWE have a working relationship. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
