Suspect Charged After Melbourne Synagogue Arson

A Melbourne synagogue was set on fire on Friday night while around 20 worshippers were inside, with all safely evacuated; a 34-year-old man from Sydney has been arrested and charged in connection with the arson. Police are investigating whether the attack constitutes terrorism and if it is linked to other incidents the same night, such as the vandalism of an Israeli-owned restaurant. Both Israeli and Australian leaders, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, have condemned the attacks and called for decisive action to protect the Jewish community. The incidents have heightened concerns about rising antisemitism in Australia amid ongoing tensions related to the Israel–Hamas war. Authorities and Jewish community leaders are urging for stronger measures and political unity to combat hate crimes and ensure the safety of places of worship. These attacks follow a pattern of escalating violence against Jewish sites in Australia in recent months.