Jewish Melbourne’s Friday evening of horror

Melbourne’s Jewish community rocked by synagogue arson and restaurant attack.

Melbourne’s Jewish community has been left reeling after an East Melbourne synagogue was set alight and an Israeli restaurant attacked during a night of targeted violence and intimidation in the city.

In separate incidents on Friday evening, masked pro-Palestine protesters stormed Miznon, an Israeli restaurant in Hardware Lane, while the historic East Melbourne Synagogue was the target of an attempted arson attack.

 

Around 20 people were having a meal inside the synagogue at the time, all of whom self-evacuated safely through a rear exit.

Miznon’s patrons were left terrified as around 20 masked protesters entered the restaurant about 8.30pm, chanting “death to the IDF” while hurling chairs, glasses and food at the windows, according to the Herald Sun. One of the restaurant’s front-facing windows was smashed with a chair.

Witnesses described the group as aggressive, saying they also damaged neighbouring businesses along Hardware Lane.

“They came here with their drums and their mic saying Miznon is not welcome here,” a witness told the Herald Sun.

“Then they started getting aggressive, throwing tomatoes, chairs, and glasses. They caused lots of damage.”

The attack forced police to shut down Hardware Lane in both directions, with multiple arrests reportedly made at the scene.

Earlier in the night, violent scenes also erupted outside Sushi Hub on Swanston Street, where masked youths were seen facing off with anti-Israel protesters. Footage published by the Herald Sun shows roadwork bollards being thrown, with one striking a passing car.

Meanwhile, just after 8pm, the Community Security Group (CSG) reported an attempted arson attack at East Melbourne Synagogue, which has stood on the outskirts of the CBD for more than 150 years and is one of Melbourne’s most significant Jewish landmarks.

The blaze was quickly extinguished, and no injuries were reported, but the incident is under investigation as a potentially targeted act. Victoria Police, the Melbourne Fire Brigade and CSG remain on the scene.

Police have confirmed that the fire at East Melbourne Synagogue is being treated as suspicious. According to investigators, an unknown man entered the synagogue grounds on Albert Street about 8pm and poured a flammable liquid on the front door before setting it alight and fleeing on foot.

The blaze, which was contained to the building’s entrance, was extinguished by firefighters. Police are continuing to canvass the area for CCTV footage, with an arson chemist attending the scene.

CSG has increased patrols across Jewish areas of Melbourne, with additional security measures in place throughout the weekend.

In a statement, the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) condemned the violence, declaring, “Enough is enough.”

“We cannot emphasise enough that Jewish Victorians will not be intimidated. We are strong and courageous and proud of who we are as Jewish Australians,” the JCCV said.

The incidents have compounded fears in Melbourne’s Jewish community following a surge in antisemitic threats and attacks, including the arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea last December, which authorities declared a terrorist incident.

Over 1,100 antisemitic incidents have been recorded nationally this year, with Taskforce Avalite and Strike Force Pearl continuing to investigate serious offences, including firebombings, vandalism and physical assaults.

Authorities believe Friday night’s incidents are isolated, but police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing and additional security measures remain in place.

CSG is urging the community to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity via JEAP or by calling 1300 000 274.

David Ossip, the president of The New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies, apologised for breaking Shabbat by emailing the Board’s database, writing, “We send our support and solidarity to the Victorian Jewish community.

We are engaging closely with CSG and NSW Police in relation to the implications for our community here in NSW.

At this stage, it is believed that the incident is isolated, with no information about any ongoing or specific threats, which would prevent the community from continuing its normal activities.”