Articles in this Cluster
06-07-2025
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned an apparent arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue, vowing perpetrators will face the “full force of the law” and offering federal support. About 20 people inside were safely evacuated. A 34-year-old man, Angelo Loras, has been charged with arson and reckless conduct endangering life. Police are probing possible links to a same-night attack on a Jewish-owned restaurant where rioters broke in and chanted anti-IDF slogans. The incidents come amid a surge in antisemitic and Islamophobic acts tied to the Israel-Hamas war; Australia has appointed an antisemitism envoy and strengthened hate-crime laws. Jewish community leaders and Israel’s foreign minister urged stronger action.
Entities: Anthony Albanese, Melbourne synagogue, Angelo Loras, Victoria Police, Jewish community • Tone: urgent • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
06-07-2025
An arsonist set fire to the door of a Melbourne synagogue, the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation, on Friday evening while around 20 worshippers were inside sharing a meal to mark the Shabbat. The fire was contained to the front entrance, and no one was injured as the congregation evacuated through a rear door. Police released a CCTV image of a man they are interested in speaking to, described as a bearded man in his mid-30s with long hair, wearing a dark sweater, black pants, and a black beanie. The incident is being investigated by the Counter Terrorism Security Investigation Unit, but has not been deemed a terrorism incident. The attack has been condemned by Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan, Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece, and Israel's deputy foreign minister Sharren Haskel, with the incident being described as an act of antisemitism. The attack is part of a wave of antisemitic incidents in Australia since the Hamas assault on Israel in October 2023.
Entities: East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation, Melbourne, Victoria Police, Counter Terrorism Security Investigation Unit, Jacinta Allan • Tone: urgent • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
06-07-2025
A synagogue in Melbourne was set on fire during Shabbat dinner and an Israeli-owned restaurant, Miznon, was violently attacked by around 20 masked protesters who chanted anti-IDF slogans and hurled objects, sending diners fleeing. Police are also probing vehicle arsons and graffiti with alleged antisemitic inferences; one person was arrested and later released with a summons. Jewish community leaders and Israel’s foreign minister condemned the incidents, urging stronger law enforcement. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry reported 2,062 antisemitic incidents in Australia between Oct. 2023 and Sept. 2024, reflecting a sharp rise in hostility.
Entities: Melbourne, Miznon, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), Victoria Police, Executive Council of Australian Jewry • Tone: urgent • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
06-07-2025
Australian police charged 34-year-old Angelo Loras with arson, endangering life, and property damage over a fire at a Melbourne synagogue, amid concerns about rising antisemitic violence in the city. He was also charged with possessing a controlled weapon at the time of his arrest. Loras appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Sunday; authorities did not specify the weapon involved.
Entities: Angelo Loras, Melbourne, Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, Australian police, synagogue fire • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
