Melbourne Synagogue Attack: A Closer Look at Growing Antisemitism

Last week, a shocking arson attack took place at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne. It's being looked into as a possible terrorist incident, according to Australian officials. The synagogue, a major Jewish center in Australia, caught fire early on Friday morning, forcing worshippers to flee during nighttime prayers. Police are treating this attack as a terrorist incident. They're working with Victoria Police, the Australian Federal Police (AFP), and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) to investigate. The police are searching for three suspects but haven't revealed their identities or if they were known to the police. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese mentioned that this was the third antisemitic attack in recent months. The other attacks included a fire at a Jewish minister's office in Melbourne and vandalism in Sydney's Jewish area. The Australian Federal Police has set up a special task force, Operation Avalite, to handle these situations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the Melbourne attack. He linked it to the Australian government's support of a UN resolution calling on Israel to end hostilities in Gaza. He also highlighted Australia's decision to stop former Israeli minister Ayelet Shaked from entering the country. The Australian government has committed extra funds to increase security at Jewish community sites across the country, including synagogues and schools. This comes as a response to a rise in antisemitic attacks since the Hamas attacks in October 2023 and Israel's subsequent war in Gaza.