**Authorities suspect a link to heightened antisemitism in Australia as community leaders express concern**
**Melbourne Synagogue Fire Investigated as Potential Terrorism Incident**
**Melbourne Synagogue Fire Investigated as Potential Terrorism Incident**
**Police Increase Patrols Amid Ongoing Investigation into Early Morning Blaze**
The early morning fire that engulfed the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne is under investigation as a potential act of terrorism, according to local police. Three suspects are currently being pursued following the fiery incident that resulted in minor injuries to a man and significant property damage. Witness accounts describe masked individuals applying what appeared to be an accelerant to the building before igniting the blaze.
Victorian police revealed that increased patrols would be enacted to ensure community safety in the wake of this incident, although they have indicated no immediate threat of additional antisemitic acts. Following consultations with the Australian Federal Police and the domestic intelligence agency, ASIO, authorities determined that the nature of the fire warranted further investigation as a probable terrorist act.
Commissioner Shane Patton confirmed that prior to the fire, there was no indication of an arson threat but refrained from providing specific details about the investigation's developments. This assessment aligns with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's observation that the situation is indicative of terrorism, despite stating it was his personal opinion.
In light of the fire being classified as potential terrorism, state Premier Jacinta Allan vowed to allocate additional resources towards law enforcement efforts focused on this investigation. Jewish community representatives expressed concerns that this incident may mark an escalation in antisemitic activity in Australia, reflecting heightened anxieties surrounding safety.
Witnesses inside the synagogue during the attack recounted the harrowing experience of hearing loud noises and witnessing windows break, followed by the ignition of flammable liquids. "It all escalated quickly," shared synagogue board member Benjamin Klein, who spoke with those present at the time.
In response to the distress among worshippers after the fire, Patton emphasized the police's commitment to ensuring the security of Jewish communities. Increased police presence has already been initiated in areas with significant Jewish populations. Allan further urged the broader community to unite in support of its Jewish citizens, denouncing the violence stemming from ongoing international conflicts.
Additionally, the Prime Minister announced the establishment of a federal task force aimed at addressing rising incidents of antisemitism, citing two recent cases of vandalism involving a Jewish MP's office and an arson incident in Sydney.
Victorian police revealed that increased patrols would be enacted to ensure community safety in the wake of this incident, although they have indicated no immediate threat of additional antisemitic acts. Following consultations with the Australian Federal Police and the domestic intelligence agency, ASIO, authorities determined that the nature of the fire warranted further investigation as a probable terrorist act.
Commissioner Shane Patton confirmed that prior to the fire, there was no indication of an arson threat but refrained from providing specific details about the investigation's developments. This assessment aligns with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's observation that the situation is indicative of terrorism, despite stating it was his personal opinion.
In light of the fire being classified as potential terrorism, state Premier Jacinta Allan vowed to allocate additional resources towards law enforcement efforts focused on this investigation. Jewish community representatives expressed concerns that this incident may mark an escalation in antisemitic activity in Australia, reflecting heightened anxieties surrounding safety.
Witnesses inside the synagogue during the attack recounted the harrowing experience of hearing loud noises and witnessing windows break, followed by the ignition of flammable liquids. "It all escalated quickly," shared synagogue board member Benjamin Klein, who spoke with those present at the time.
In response to the distress among worshippers after the fire, Patton emphasized the police's commitment to ensuring the security of Jewish communities. Increased police presence has already been initiated in areas with significant Jewish populations. Allan further urged the broader community to unite in support of its Jewish citizens, denouncing the violence stemming from ongoing international conflicts.
Additionally, the Prime Minister announced the establishment of a federal task force aimed at addressing rising incidents of antisemitism, citing two recent cases of vandalism involving a Jewish MP's office and an arson incident in Sydney.
