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CHRISTIAN BREAKING NEWS: What’s Happening in Melbourne, Australia? Synagogue Torched, Israeli Restaurant Attacked

Hi everyone,

In a shocking series of events in Melbourne, Australia, an arson attack targeted the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation during Shabbat, while an Israeli-owned restaurant Miznon was stormed by masked protesters—all within minutes of each other. Authorities are investigating these back-to-back incidents as possible hate crimes, as concerns grow about rising antisemitism in Australia.

On Friday, July 4, about 8 PM local time, a man poured flammable liquid on the front doors of East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation during Shabbat dinner. Around 20 people were inside but evacuated through the rear; no injuries were reported. The fire was extinguished quickly.

Police and fire crews are investigating, with federal agencies including ASIO, AFP, and Victoria Police. It is classified as a significant hate incident, but it has not yet been formally labeled terrorism.

Shortly afterward (around 8:30 PM local time), around 20 masked pro-Palestinian protesters stormed the Israeli-owned restaurant Miznon. They smashed windows, threw chairs and food, and screamed “Death to the IDF.”

Police arrested one person, a 28-year-old woman, and identified others for further investigation.

These were coordinated antisemitic attacks—one arson threat at a synagogue and violent vandalism at a restaurant—that occurred within minutes on the same evening. They are part of a larger trend of growing antisemitism in Australia amid the Gaza conflict. The government, community, and activists are responding forcefully, but investigations are still underway.

📍 Stay informed. Stand against hate.
📰 Source: Times of Israel, ABC News, Herald Sun, The Australian

What happened in Melbourne?
1. Arson attack on a synagogue

At around 8 p.m. on Friday, July 4, a man poured flammable liquid on the front doors of East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation during Shabbat dinner. Around 20 people were inside but evacuated through the rear; no injuries were reported. Fire extinguished quickly. CCTV captured the suspect, described as a 30‑something white man with a beard and long hair wearing dark clothing and a beanie

Police and fire crews are investigating; federal agencies including ASIO, AFP, and Victoria Police are involved. It’s treated as a serious hate incident, though not yet formally labeled terrorism

2. Attack on Israeli-owned restaurant “Miznon”

Shortly afterward (~8:30 p.m.), a crowd of ~20 masked pro‑Palestinian protesters stormed Miznon (Hardware Lane). They smashed windows, threw chairs, food (even tomatoes), and chanted “Death to the IDF.”

Police arrived and arrested at least one person (a 28‑year‑old woman), with several others identified for follow-up

3. Vandalism in Greensborough

Earlier in the morning (~4:30 a.m.), three vehicles outside Lovitt Technologies in Greensborough (a business previously involved in pro‑Palestinian activity) were spray‑painted with anti‑Semitic messages and torched

🧭 Responses & Context
Political leaders condemned the events: PM Anthony Albanese pledged federal support; Premier Jacinta Allan labeled it “disgraceful” and “cowardly”; Lord Mayor Nick Reece, and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley called it outright terrorism

Community leaders, including Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Jewish advocacy groups, and Anti‑Defamation Commission figures, denounced the acts and called for tougher security and enforcement

The executive council of Australian Jewry noted these are part of a disturbing global surge in antisemitic actions tied to the ongoing Gaza conflict. Australia has seen thousands of incidents since October 2023—over four times the pre-war level

This recent synagogue incident echoes the December 2024 firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue—one of at least ten synagogue arsons in Australia since July 2024—highlighting a troubling pattern

🕵️ Ongoing Investigations
Authorities are gathering CCTV, forensic, and witness evidence to identify attackers.

Federal resources (ASIO, AFP) are supporting Victoria Police.

More patrols are being deployed around Jewish institutions; security funding was recently increased by

Bottom Line
These were coordinated antisemitic attacks—one arson threat at a synagogue and violent vandalism at a restaurant—occurring within minutes on the same evening. They’re part of a larger pattern of rising antisemitism in Australia amid the Gaza conflict. The government, community, and activists are responding forcefully, but investigations are ongoing.

What’s Happening in Melbourne, Australia? SYNAGOGUE TORCHED, ISRAELI RESTAURANT ATTACKED | Christian News and Views!

What’s Happening in Melbourne, Australia? SYNAGOGUE TORCHED, ISRAELI RESTAURANT ATTACKED | Christian News and Views!