‘This is not protest, this is hate’: Sussan Ley slams Melbourne synagogue arson and Israeli restaurant protest

Worshippers fled for safety, and diners were left shaken in Melbourne on Friday night after two disturbing incidents — an arson attack on one of Australia’s oldest synagogues and a protest outside a city restaurant where demonstrators chanted “death to the IDF.”

Victoria Police said a man doused the front of the East Melbourne Synagogue with a flammable liquid and set it alight about 8pm.

Around 20 people inside were forced to evacuate through a rear exit. No injuries were reported.

Fire crews contained the blaze to the front of the historic building, located near Victoria’s Parliament House.

The suspect fled the scene on foot, last seen heading down Albert Street toward the CBD. Police are still investigating the motive and have not ruled out hate-based intent.

“Around 20 demonstrators gathered outside an Israeli restaurant, Miznon, a short time later,” police said in a statement. “They shouted offensive chants and were directed to leave the area.”

One person was arrested for hindering police, and several others were spoken to by officers.

Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich said diners were “terrorised” by the group, who reportedly chanted “Death to the IDF.”y“Melbourne, for one night, stopped being a safe place for Jews,” Dr Abramovich said.

Victoria Police said while it supports the right to peaceful protest, it “will not tolerate anti-social and violent behaviour.”

Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley condemned the attacks, writing on social media:

“What happened in Melbourne last night was horrifying. A synagogue set alight while families gathered for Shabbat dinner. An Israeli restaurant stormed and terrorised by protesters chanting ‘death to the IDF.’

This is not protest. This is hate. And it has no place in Australia.”

The East Melbourne Synagogue is one of the country’s oldest Jewish houses of worship.

Former Minister for Resources of Australia Josh Frydenberg also weighed in, labelling the synagogue attack and restaurant protest “a hate crime.”

“When you firebomb a synagogue with people inside & attack a local restaurant because it’s owned by Jews, it’s NOT about Israel, it’s NOT about protest,” he posted on X.

“It’s a hate crime. Violent antisemitism is a threat to us all & until it’s called out for what it really is, it will continue!”

The attack comes just seven months after a devastating fire at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea, in Melbourne’s south, which destroyed two of its buildings and forced congregants to flee. That investigation remains open, with counter-terrorism police conducting raids earlier this year.

The latest events also coincide with a heated political debate over the limits of protest and public safety. Australia’s special envoy to combat anti-Semitism, Jillian Segal, appeared before a NSW parliamentary inquiry on Friday, reiterating concerns about the intimidation felt by Jewish Australians during weekly pro-Palestinian protests.

Labor MP Stephen Lawrence challenged her characterisation, calling it “an uncivil way to describe them and the people participating.”

As investigations into both incidents continue, police and community leaders are urging calm and vigilance.