Victoria establishes an anti-hate task force after a synagogue arson and attack on an Israeli restaurant in Melbourne. Premier Allan condemns antisemitism.
Amid an alarming escalation in antisemitic violence, the Australian state of Victoria has announced the creation of an anti-hate task force following two deeply troubling incidents that have sent shockwaves through Melbourne’s Jewish community.
The initiative comes in response to a horrifying arson attack on the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation during Sabbath services on Friday night, where 20 congregants narrowly escaped injury or worse. Within hours, a second incident unfolded in Melbourne’s bustling central business district, where a mob of 20 pro-Palestinian protesters stormed Miznon, a popular Israeli restaurant, vandalizing the premises while shouting “Death to the IDF” and hurling chairs and food.
Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan addressed the crisis with urgency on Monday, declaring, “Just as the fire came to the front door of this synagogue, it was stopped. So too must we put a stop to antisemitism. Not only does it have no place in Melbourne and Victoria—it has no place anywhere.”
The newly formed anti-hate task force will convene its first meeting this week. The group includes top-level state officials: the premier, police minister, Melbourne’s mayor, and senior police leaders. Jewish community representatives have been invited to join the discussions. Legislative efforts are also underway to ban face coverings in protests, prohibit public displays of extremist symbols, and restrict protest tools that obstruct law enforcement.
The arson investigation has led to the arrest of a 34-year-old man from Sydney, who has been charged in connection with the synagogue attack. Meanwhile, the search continues for those involved in the violent restaurant incident, with one 28-year-old man detained and later released pending further investigation.
World leaders have responded with grave concern. Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the synagogue arson and the assault on Miznon, calling the events “vile” and “intolerable.” He stressed, “It is chilling that in 2025 we are witnessing attempts to burn Jews alive as they pray, and violent attacks on Jewish-owned businesses. These attacks must not become a new normal.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed the outrage, stating, “These are despicable antisemitic hate crimes that must be eradicated at their root. Calls for ‘death to the IDF’ and assaults on places of worship are abhorrent. The State of Israel stands with Australia’s Jewish community and demands strong action from Australian authorities.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese labeled the synagogue arson “shocking” and committed federal resources to ensure those responsible “face the full force of the law.”
These events mark a disturbing trend of rising antisemitism in Australia, where recent months have already seen a wave of hostile demonstrations and hate speech. With Jewish communities feeling increasingly vulnerable, the pressure on Australian authorities to act decisively is mounting.
The challenge now lies in turning condemnation into concrete action—ensuring the safety of Jewish Australians and reaffirming that hate has no sanctuary in a modern democracy.
