Man Charged Over Melbourne Synagogue Firebombing Amid Rising Anti-Semitic Attacks

A 34-year-old man from New South Wales has been charged with multiple offenses after firebombing the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation synagogue, forcing about twenty congregants to flee the building. The fire was quickly extinguished and contained to the synagogue's front entrance, and the suspect was arrested in Melbourne's CBD. Police are investigating his motives and whether the attack constitutes an act of terrorism. On the same night, a group of protesters splintered from a larger demonstration and caused damage outside an Israeli restaurant in Melbourne's CBD, chanting anti-Israel slogans, and a 28-year-old protester was arrested for hindering police. Later, vehicles were vandalized and set on fire outside a business with previous pro-Palestinian activity, prompting police to examine potential links between the incidents. Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the synagogue attack and related protests as intolerable acts of anti-Semitism, emphasizing the need for these to stop.