Adass Israel Synagogue Fire: A Catalyst for Australia-Israel Relations Strain

Political and religious leaders have universally condemned a devastating arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, which destroyed two of its three buildings. The attack occurred after intruders reportedly broke into the premises and set it on fire. Two congregants present at the time managed to evacuate, with one sustaining minor injuries.

The incident has sparked a war of words on the international stage, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly linking the attack to the Australian government’s recent foreign policy decisions. Netanyahu accused the Albanese administration of fostering antisemitism by supporting a United Nations resolution urging Israel to end its occupation of Gaza and other Palestinian territories. "It is impossible to separate the offensive arson attack from the federal government’s extreme anti-Israeli position," Netanyahu stated on social media.

Australian opposition leaders echoed these concerns. Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Paterson criticized the government’s stance, claiming it had "absolutely trashed" the historically strong relationship between Australia and Israel.

In contrast, the Australian Palestine Advocacy Network dismissed Netanyahu’s remarks as a “shameless distraction” from Israel's own policies. Network President Nasser Mashni accused the Israeli government of perpetuating “genocide, apartheid, and illegal occupation,” while rejecting any link between the UN resolution and the attack.

According to Victorian Police, the attackers used accelerant to ignite the synagogue, with terrorism not being ruled out as a potential motive. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan condemned the act and pledged $100,000 toward rebuilding the synagogue. Allan also assured increased police patrols to protect the local community.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese denounced the attack as “an outrage” and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating antisemitism. "This deliberate, unlawful attack goes against everything we are as Australians," Albanese stated, emphasizing zero tolerance for hate crimes.

The attack has intensified calls for stronger measures to address antisemitism in Australia. The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies described the incident as part of a "domestic crisis of antisemitism" and urged the federal government to take decisive action. Meanwhile, Israel’s President Isaac Herzog called on Australian leaders to respond firmly to the rise in antisemitic incidents.

This tragic event has further strained Australia-Israel relations, already tense due to recent policy decisions by the Albanese government, including its support for the UN resolution and a ban on entry for a former Israeli minister. Australian Federal Police are working alongside Victorian authorities to investigate the arson attack and ensure justice is served.