Melbourne was rocked by a night of shocking anti-Semitic violence as rioters set fire to a synagogue and stormed an Israeli-owned restaurant, shouting chilling chants of “death to the IDF” – just days after similar scenes sparked outrage at Glastonbury, reports The Telegraph.
Jewish leaders have condemned the “severe escalation” in hate crimes, calling for those responsible to face the “full force of the law” following the twin attacks that unfolded within just half an hour of each other on Friday evening.
At around 8pm, a group of unidentified men were caught on CCTV dousing the door of the East Melbourne Synagogue with flammable liquid and attempting to ignite it – while around 20 worshippers were inside attending a Sabbath service. Worshippers managed to escape through a rear exit as flames threatened the historic building.
Shortly afterwards, chaos erupted across town at Miznon, a popular Israeli-owned restaurant known for its Mediterranean street food. According to Australian media, a mob of rioters stormed the premises, throwing chairs, smashing glasses, and terrifying diners as they shouted the same menacing slogans.
Alex Ryvchin, co-leader of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, said: “Across town a short time later, a mob chanting “death to the IDF” stormed an Israeli restaurant, terrorised diners and caused extensive damage. These events are a severe escalation directed towards our community and clear evidence that the anti-Semitism crisis is not only continuing, but getting worse.”
The disturbing chant, “death, death to the IDF”, was made notorious just last week when British punk musician Bob Vylan used the phrase during his Glastonbury performance – broadcast live by the BBC – sparking a fierce backlash.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese strongly condemned the Melbourne attacks and pledged federal support for the Victoria authorities investigating the incidents. “Those responsible for these shocking acts must face the full force of the law and my government will provide all necessary support toward this effort,” he said.
Opposition leader Sussan Ley echoed the sentiment, calling the attacks “horrifying” and warning that it is “now impossible to ignore the growing crisis of anti-Semitism in Australia”.
Protesters who targeted Miznon claimed their actions were in protest against Shahar Segal, the restaurant’s owner and a backer of the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The GHF, which provides aid in Gaza, is supported by Israel and the US but heavily criticised by other nations. Reports say that since the foundation began operations in May, hundreds of Palestinians attempting to access aid sites have been shot dead by Israeli forces. Both Israel and the GHF deny wrongdoing.
Adding to the city’s tension, police later revealed they were also investigating a third incident on Friday in Greensborough, a Melbourne suburb, where three cars were set on fire. “The offenders also used spray paint on one of the cars and on a building wall,” Victoria Police said. One of the vehicles was destroyed in the blaze, while the others sustained moderate damage.
Detectives have launched a full-scale investigation and released an image of a man they wish to speak to in connection with the synagogue arson, which is being treated as an act of terrorism. One 28-year-old man was arrested at the scene of the restaurant attack on suspicion of hindering police but was later released pending a court summons.
Reflecting on the violence, Mr Ryvchin said: “Those who chant for death are not peace activists. Those who would burn houses of prayer with families inside do not seek an end to war.
“There is a violent ideology at work in our country that operates on the fringes of politics and social movements, that taps into anger and prejudice, and smirks as businesses are destroyed, lives are threatened and proud, patriotic Australians experience fear in their own homes and their own streets.”
The terrifying events mark what Mr Ryvchin described as a “return to the anti-Semitic terror of the summer months”, amid rising tensions and violence linked to ongoing conflict in the Middle East.