A group of anti-Israeli protesters have terrorised shocked diners by storming a restaurant in Melbourne’s CBD – as an arsonist targeted a nearby synagogue.
The chaotic scenes unfolded at the Israeli-owned Miznon eatery on Hardware Lane, where up to 20 protesters hurled chairs, food, and glassware at the venue while chanting ‘Death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)’.
Footage shared online showed the breakaway group throwing traffic bollards by passing cars and yelling expletives on their way to the restaurant after a separate protest involving 80 pro-Palestine in nearby Swanston Street.
When the masked protesters arrived at Miznon, diners can be heard screaming as furniture and tables are overturned.
Protesters were then seen clashing with police after dozens of officers arrived on the scene and shut down the laneway at both ends.
One protester was arrested for hindering police and released on summons.
‘Several other protesters were spoken to by police and had their identities clarified for the purpose of follow-up investigation,’ a spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia.
‘Victoria Police continued to support the rights of Victorians to protest peacefully but will not tolerate the kind of anti-social and violent behaviour that was witnessed this evening.’
A bollard was thrown by pro-Palestine protesters, who clashed with a group outside the venue
The group of masked protesters caused widespread chaos
The chaotic scenes shocked many diners and passers-by in the bustling precinct.
Other restaurants in Hardware Lane were also damaged.
‘They came in with their drums and their mic and stuff saying Miznon is not welcome here,’ a diner told the Herald Sun.
‘Then they started getting aggressive, throwing tomatoes, chairs, and glasses. They caused lots of damage to the businesses down here.’
Just half an hour earlier, the East Melbourne Synagogue was set on fire, which police are treating as suspicious.
A man entered the synagogue grounds on Albert Street about 8pm, poured a flammable liquid on the front door, and ignited it before fleeing on foot.
About 20 worshippers, including children inside having dinner at the time were forced to flee the building.
No injuries were reported. Firefighters quickly contained the fire, which prevented further damage.
Up to 20 protesters stormed Miznon, causing damage and chanting ‘Death to the IDF’
Police were seen making an arrest as tensions boiled over outside Miznon
Police are working with synagogue members and Jewish community representatives to provide support following the distressing attack.
An arson specialist has been called in to determine the cause as police gather and review CCTV as part of their ongoing investigations.
Victoria Police stressed that anti-Semitic and hate-based behaviour would not be tolerated and that both incidents are being treated with the utmost seriousness.
The Australian Jewish Democratic Society condemned both incidents.
‘The AJDS utterly and totally condemns the mob action by masked people protesting against the presence of the Miznon restaurant in Melbourne,’ it posted online late Friday night.
‘Around the same time, there was an attempted arson of the historic Eastern Melbourne Synagogue not far away by masked people. This is an appalling act against the whole Jewish community
‘We hope all those responsible are caught and prosecuted.’
Windows were smashed after protesters hurled furniture at Miznon
Jewish Community Council of Victoria added: ‘We cannot say it any louder or anymore – enough is enough!’
‘We also cannot emphasise enough that Jewish Victorians won’t be tolerated.’
Police urge anyone with information, footage or CCTV of either incident to come forward.
