Melbourne protesters chant ‘Death to the IDF’ days after attacks on local synagogue, Israeli restaurant.
Melbourne Pro-Palestinian Rally Turns Hostile After Attacks on Jewish Sites
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Melbourne chanted “Death to the IDF” at a Sunday rally, just two days after a wave of targeted attacks on Jewish sites, including the arson of a synagogue during a Shabbat dinner with over 20 people inside. No injuries were reported, but the incident has heightened fears in the local Jewish community.
Police arrested one suspect in connection with the arson at East Melbourne Synagogue—the second such attack in seven months—and increased security at the rally. Other incidents included anti-Israel graffiti on a weapons business tied to the IDF and the storming of Miznon, a restaurant linked to Israeli chef Eyal Shani.
The phrase “Death to the IDF,” popularized by punk band Bob Vylan at Glastonbury last week, was shouted by some protesters during the vandalism.
Both Miznon and Lovitt Technologies have faced backlash for their ties to the Israeli military. Shani’s business partner, Shahar Segal, who briefly served as spokesperson for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, announced his departure from the role on Sunday.
The synagogue arson drew sharp condemnation from Australian authorities and Jewish leaders, who warned of escalating threats to the community.
Leaders Condemn Melbourne Synagogue Arson as Antisemitic Violence Escalates
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese strongly condemned Friday night’s arson attack on East Melbourne Synagogue, calling it “cowardly,” “an act of violence and antisemitism,” and vowing to bring “the full force of the law” against those responsible.
The attack occurred during Shabbat dinner, with over 20 people inside. No injuries were reported, but the fire caused damage to the historic site—Australia’s oldest synagogue—and further rattled the local Jewish community.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog also issued a forceful response, stating: “It is intolerable that in 2025, we are still faced with the chilling image of an attempt to burn Jews alive as they pray.” He urged Australian authorities to intensify efforts to combat antisemitism.
The incident came amid a surge in antisemitic threats and attacks since the October 7 Hamas massacre. In December, another Melbourne synagogue—Adass Israel—was also set on fire, and police say criminal gangs may be behind some of the incidents.
Tensions further escalated over the weekend as pro-Palestinian demonstrators chanted “Death to the IDF” at a Melbourne rally. The chant, which gained global attention after being used at Glastonbury by punk band Bob Vylan, was shouted again as demonstrators stormed Miznon, a restaurant with Israeli ties.
While a speaker at the rally denounced the synagogue arson, a source within the pro-Palestinian movement told The Sydney Morning Herald that the attack on Miznon was misguided: “They do it in Palestine’s name — and not one Palestinian was there.”
Amid rising anxiety, Australian Jewish communities remain on high alert, calling for greater protection and decisive action against hate-fueled violence.
