Recently, a chain of antisemitic attacks, such as an arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue and an assault on a restaurant owned by Israelis, has left the Jewish community in the city feeling unsafe and urging authorities to respond. 

In the initial attack, attackers ignited a blaze at the entrance of the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation. Approximately 20 people were having Shabbat dinner inside, mentioned by SBS News. The authorities have yet to classify the situation as a terrorist attack.

Avi Yemini, chief reporter for Rebel News Online in Australia, said the fire brigade’s rapid response kept “yet another synagogue in this city from being destroyed in a terror attack, like the firebombing of the Adas Israel Synagogue last year, which remains unsolved.”

Yemini said Friday’s attacks demonstrate how “emboldened” protesters have become. 

“Since October 7, Victoria Police — under the direction of the government — have allowed anti-Israel protesters to effectively hold Melbourne hostage,” he said. 

Fire damage at the synagogue’s entrance in Melbourne, Australia, July 4, 2025.  (Alex Zucco/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Gideon Sa’ar, the Israeli minister of foreign affairs, also strongly condemned the attacks, saying there “have been too many antisemitic attacks in Australia,” and he called on the Australian government to “do more to fight this poisonous disease.”

Between Oct. 1, 2023, and Sept. 30, 2024, the ECAJ counted 2,062 antisemitic incidents in Australia.

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