Netanyahu Blames Synagogue Arson at Melbourne on Australia’s Hostility to Israel

‘Unfortunately,’ Netanyahu says in a statement, ‘it is impossible to separate this reprehensible act from the extreme anti-Israeli position of the Labor government in Australia.’

Con Chronis/AAP Image via AP
Fire crew members and police officers work the scene of a fire at Adass Israel Synagogue, December 6, 2024, at the Melbourne suburb of Ripponlea. Con Chronis/AAP Image via AP

Is Australia — once a staunch supporter of Israel but much less so now — encouraging antisemitism? That is Prime Minister Netanayahu’s conclusion following a Friday morning synagogue torching at Melbourne.

“I have zero tolerance for antisemitism. It has absolutely no place in Australia,” Prime Minister Albanese said following the arson attack that gutted the insides of Melbourne’s Adas Israel synagogue. As the premier spoke, Jewish leaders examined Torah scrolls that miraculously remained intact in the ashes. The entire scene was reminiscent of Europe’s darkest days. 

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