Properties raided in hunt for synagogue arsonists

Multiple search warrants have been executed as part of an ongoing police investigation into the firebombing of a synagogue.

Victoria Police detectives and members of Australian Federal Police from the Joint Counter-Terrorism Taskforce have raided several homes in the northern suburbs of Melbourne as part of their investigation into the Adass Israel Synagogue firebombing in December.

The building was devastated in the fire, with rebuilding hoped to commence in October, and the community has been on tenterhooks waiting for progress in the police investigation.

Two of the synagogue’s three buildings were destroyed in the early-morning blaze, forcing members of the congregation to flee.

Police issued a statement confirming the raids on Friday but said there were no further updates and the investigation remains ongoing.

Search warrants were executed on at least three homes, but no-one has been arrested.

Adass Israel board member Benjamin Klein said they had been briefed on the raids on Friday. He said updates on the investigation were hard to hear, saying also that “they said no arrests have been made but they’re very comfortable with how the investigation’s proceeding.”

“I think whilst we are very happy and comfortable that the police are working very hard on it, it does shake you.”

It was only a few weeks ago that the Taskforce release security video footage of the alleged firebombing culprits in action.  The video footage shows two perpetrators dousing the synagogue with accelerant from jerry cans and then igniting the liquid while a third perpetrator videos the action.

The three culprits were driving a stolen blue Volkswagen Gold sedan.

Victoria Police Counter Terrorism Command’s Tess Walsh said the blue Golf was stolen in November and used in a Bundoora arson and shooting on the night of the synagogue attack, and in a separate arson at South Yarra’s Lux nightclub in November.

Two young men were arrested in relation to the nightclub fire, but the authorities have not yet proved any link of the men arrested to the synagogue attack.

Victoria Police advised J-Wire that, “Police are continuing to investigate the fire at the Adass Israel synagogue on 6 December 2024 as a terrorist attack. Investigators are keen to speak to anyone who observed any suspicious activity in the area either in the lead up to or following the fire.”

Police have renewed their call for witnesses or anyone with footage of the incident to come forward.

They are also urging anyone who has other information about those involved in the incident and the motivation for the fire to come forward and speak to police.

This investigation continues to be treated as a priority including the involvement of significant resources across all agencies.”

At this time there are no further updates and the investigation remains ongoing, with further updates to be provided when appropriate.”

The alleged criminals were filmed returning to the car multiple times to get more jerry cans, which were poured inside the synagogue before the liquid was ignited.

Yumi Friedman, founder of Yumi’s Dips, told AAP at the time he preparing for morning prayer when the attack began.

He was forced to flee after hearing a “big bang on the door with a sledgehammer”, Mr Friedman said.

“This investigation continues to be treated as a priority including the involvement of significant resources across all agencies,” a police spokesperson said on Friday.

CCTV from more than 1400 locations has been scoured by police who believe multiple offenders are directly and indirectly linked to the synagogue arson.

Naomi Levin, CEO of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV), said, “Today is six months to the day since the firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue. No arrests have been made, no charges have been laid. The JCCV continues to implore police to work swiftly to ensure justice for our community. Violence and antisemitism cannot go unpunished.”

Anyone with information about the Ripponlea fire is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au”

By: Allanah Sciberras/AAP with David Marlow/J-Wire