Three Antisemitic Attacks Hit Melbourne Jewish Community

On Friday night in Melbourne, a man set fire to the front entrance of the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation while about 20 people, including children, were inside for Shabbat dinner; everyone evacuated safely and the fire was contained. Soon after, around 20 masked, pro-Palestinian protesters stormed the Israeli-owned restaurant Miznon, chanting 'Death to the IDF,' vandalizing the venue, and resulting in at least one arrest. A third incident occurred early Saturday, when cars were set alight and antisemitic graffiti was found at a business previously targeted by pro-Palestinian activists, possibly linking the attacks. Victoria Police, ASIO, and the AFP are investigating all three incidents as potentially connected hate crimes amid a broader national rise in antisemitic and anti-Muslim actions since the Israel-Hamas war began. Political and community leaders have strongly condemned the violence, and no injuries were reported in any of the attacks. The Jewish community has expressed heightened anxiety following these events.