Netanyahu urges Australia to tackle hate crimes after arson attack at synagogue

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged Australia to apply the full force of its law to prevent “reprehensible” antisemitic attacks, after a Melbourne synagogue was set on fire with 20 people inside.

- SHWETA SHARMA

A 34-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with the alleged arson attack on Friday night, when 20 people were inside the East Melbourne Synagogue. The congregation escaped unharmed through a rear door, and firefighters managed to contain the blaze to the entrance area of the 148-year-old building.

Police said the arrested man, Angelo Loras, is a resident of Sydney, the capital of neighbouring New South Wales. He has been charged with offences including criminal damage by fire.

“I view with utmost gravity the antisemitic attacks that occurred last night in Melbourne, which included attempted arson of a synagogue in the city and a violent assault against an Israeli restaurant by pro-Palestinian rioters,” Mr Netanyahu said in posts on X (Twitter) yesterday morning.