Worshippers were forced to flee for their lives early Friday morning as Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea was set ablaze in a suspected arson attack. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the incident as an “act of hate” and pledged federal support to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Firefighters responded to the blaze shortly after 4:00 am local time (17:00 GMT Thursday) to find the synagogue engulfed in flames. Authorities believe the fire was deliberately lit, though the motive remains unclear. Witnesses reported seeing firebombs thrown into the building, which caused extensive damage.

A small group of worshippers was inside for morning prayers when the attack occurred. One man, identified as Yumi Friedman, sustained burns while attempting to re-enter the synagogue to combat the flames.

Friedman described the harrowing ordeal, recalling shattered glass and flaming liquids being thrown into the building. Board member Benjamin Klein added that accelerants spread by the attackers caused the fire to escalate rapidly.

Prime Minister Albanese condemned the attack, calling it an outrage. “The people involved must be caught and face the full force of the law,” he said, reaffirming his “zero tolerance for anti-Semitism.” Albanese confirmed that the Australian Federal Police are assisting Victoria Police in their investigation.

Victoria Police stated that masked suspects were seen spreading accelerants inside the synagogue. Authorities have appealed for witnesses and urged anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward. An arson chemist will examine the scene to uncover further evidence.

Jewish community leaders have linked the attack to a broader rise in anti-Semitism across Australia. Daniel Aghion, president of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, said the community was not surprised. “We’ve known this has been coming,” he said, highlighting growing concerns about safety.

Detective Inspector Chris Murray assured the public that significant resources are being committed to solving the case. “We’re going to do our best to make sure that they can return, as they should, to their local synagogues, doing what is absolutely Australian – that is to be able to worship without fear,” he stated.

The attack has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls to address rising hate crimes in Australia. As the investigation continues, the Jewish community and its leaders are urging vigilance and unity in the face of such targeted violence.