CCTV released after Melbourne synagogue firebombing and protest rampage
Victoria Police say a man doused the front door of the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation in flammable liquid around 8pm Friday and set it alight, with 20 people inside sharing a Shabbat dinner.
The synagogue, one of Australia’s oldest, was quickly evacuated with no injuries reported.
But the symbolism — and timing — was chilling.
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Police describe him as Caucasian, believed to be in his 30s, with long hair and a beard. He was last seen wearing a black beanie, dark jumper and black pants.
That same night, just 2km away in Melbourne’s Hardware Lane, about 20 keffiyeh-clad demonstrators descended on Miznon, an Israeli-owned restaurant, shouting “Death to the IDF” and allegedly hurling chairs, tomatoes and glassware.
One man, 28, was arrested for hindering police. No further charges have been laid.
Jewish leaders say the events mark a dangerous tipping point.
“On Friday night, someone tried to burn Jews alive in their house of worship,” said Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dr Dvir Abramovich.
“Had the flames reached further, we’d be counting bodies, not blessings.”
He said the group that later stormed Miznon came “armed with hatred and chairs… children screamed, glass shattered. Melbourne, for one night, stopped being a safe place for Jews.”
Political leaders urged to act
Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley led political condemnation on social media, writing:
“This is not protest. This is hate. And it has no place in Australia.”
Former Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg echoed the sentiment:
“When you firebomb a synagogue with people inside and attack a restaurant because it’s Jewish-owned, it’s not about Israel. It’s a hate crime.”
Miznon is part of a global restaurant chain launched by Israeli celebrity chef Eyal Shani and Shachar Segal. Last week, US media reported Segal is involved in distributing aid to Gaza via the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
A witness told The Herald Sun the protesters arrived “with drums and mics shouting Miznon is not welcome,” before allegedly throwing food, glassware and furniture.
“They caused a lot of damage to the businesses down here.”
Police say investigations into both incidents are ongoing and have called for any witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. No charges have yet been laid in the synagogue arson.
