A large blaze that engulfed a synagogue in south Melbourne is being treated as suspicious by police, following reports that two men broke in, doused the building with petrol, and set it on fire.
Around 60 firefighters and 17 trucks were called to the Adass Israel synagogue at Ripponlea in Glen Eira around early on Friday morning.
Two people were evacuated with minor injuries, but no other properties were damaged.
Jewish leader Benjamin Klein described the incident as a targeted attack.
‘From what we understand, two people came to the synagogue about 4.30am, chucked some petrol inside and lit it,’ Mr Klein said on Sunrise.
People inside the synagogue during the attack reported that windows were smashed and Molotov cocktails were thrown into the building, he said.
‘They heard banging on the door and the window, and some liquids came through which were lit. The whole thing took off pretty quickly and was on fire,’ Mr Klein told Nine.
‘One member who was inside ran out and had his hand burnt. For this to happen to a synagogue thousands of kilometres away from anywhere else in the world, a peaceful neighbourhood, a peaceful community – it is quite horrendous.’
The sanctuary contains many holy books and expensive Torah scrolls, and the congregation was waiting to get access to assess the extent of the damage, Klein said.
A blaze that engulfed a suburban synagogue is being treated as suspicious by police
Fire Rescue Victoria’s Assistant Chief Fire Officer Brayden Sinnamon said the 30m by 20m building was ‘fully involved’ in the fire and the blaze severity was escalated, with crews using breathing apparatus.
The fire has been deemed suspicious, with Victoria Police launching an investigation.
Federal Education Minister Jason Clare speculated that the incident was not an accident.
‘It’s pretty clear from your reporting that this is no accident, that this is a deliberate act of violence, an attack on a place of worship, and let’s call it out,’ he told 7 News’ Sunrise program.
‘This is the absolute opposite of what Australia is all about.’
Two men reportedly broke in, doused the building with petrol, and set it on fire
There were people inside the synagogue at the time of the attack
Liberal frontbencher Sussan Ley said the incident was ‘very, very concerning’, adding: ‘It makes me feel quite sick to the stomach.’
‘I feel for the Jewish community today waking up to this news.’
Police have asked anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward with information or dash cam/CCTV footage.
The train level crossing at Glen Eira Road was blocked during the incident but has since opened.
