Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged a firm response to what he described as a “shocking act” of violence, following an alleged arson attack on a synagogue in Melbourne on Friday night. The incident, which unfolded while 20 people were dining inside the synagogue, has heightened national concerns over rising antisemitic attacks amid escalating tensions over the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Security footage captured the suspect, identified as 34-year-old Angelo Loras from Toongabbie, Sydney, pouring flammable liquid on the synagogue’s entrance and setting it ablaze. Thankfully, all occupants were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported. Loras was arrested in Melbourne on Saturday and charged with arson and reckless conduct endangering life. He is expected to appear in court this week.
Authorities are also investigating a possible connection between the synagogue fire and a separate attack the same evening on Miznon, a Jewish-owned restaurant in Melbourne’s central business district. In that incident, a group of individuals reportedly stormed the restaurant, smashed property, and chanted anti-Israel slogans including “death to the IDF.” Several suspects were detained at the scene.
“These incidents represent a dangerous escalation in targeted hostility against our community,” said Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry. “We cannot become desensitized to the repeated targeting of Jewish Australians.”
Prime Minister Albanese strongly denounced the violence and rising antisemitism, stating: “There is no place for hate in this country. Those responsible for these cowardly and hateful acts will be pursued and prosecuted with the full force of the law.” He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to community safety and said additional support would be provided to Jewish institutions as needed.
The synagogue attack comes amid a broader surge in both antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents across Australia, driven by deepening divisions over the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In response, the Albanese government has appointed a Special Envoy on Antisemitism and recently strengthened hate crime legislation.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also weighed in, urging stronger action from Canberra. “There have been too many antisemitic attacks in Australia. The Australian government must act decisively to stop this toxic trend,” he said.
The violence follows the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, which killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in over 250 hostages, prompting a massive Israeli military campaign in Gaza. Since then, Gaza’s Health Ministry reports more than 57,000 deaths, fueling outrage and protests globally—including in Australia, where both Jewish and Muslim communities have staged frequent demonstrations.
As investigations into the Melbourne attacks continue, leaders from across the political and religious spectrum are calling for restraint, justice, and renewed efforts to heal growing rifts within Australian society.
