Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has vowed to take strong action after an alleged arson attack on a synagogue in Melbourne on Friday night, describing the incident as a “shocking act” that must be met with the full force of the law.

Security footage showed a man pouring liquid on the front door of a synagogue in East Melbourne before setting it ablaze while 20 people were inside having dinner. Fortunately, all occupants were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported.

The suspect, identified as Angelo Loras, 34, from Toongabbie, a suburb of Sydney, was arrested in Melbourne on Saturday. He has been charged with arson and reckless conduct endangering life, and is expected to appear in court this week.

Authorities are also investigating whether the synagogue attack is linked to a separate incident that same night targeting Miznon, a Jewish-owned restaurant in Melbourne’s business district. In that attack, rioters broke into the premises, hurled chairs and other objects, and chanted “death to the IDF [Israel Defense Forces]”. Several individuals were detained and led away in handcuffs.

“These events are a severe escalation directed towards our community,” said Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry. “We must not become numb to the repeated targeting of Jewish people.”

Prime Minister Albanese condemned the rise in antisemitic acts, which he said have “no place in Australia.” He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting all communities and ensuring perpetrators are brought to justice.

“Those responsible for these shocking acts must face the full force of the law,” Albanese stated. “My government will provide all necessary support toward this effort.”

The attack comes amid a sharp rise in antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents across Australia, fueled by deepening divisions over the Israel-Hamas conflict. The government has responded by appointing a special envoy on antisemitism and passing tougher hate crime laws.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also weighed in, saying:

“There have been too many antisemitic attacks in Australia. The Australian government must do more to fight this toxic disease.”

The October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas on Israel, which killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages, triggered a large-scale Israeli military response in Gaza. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, over 57,268 people have been killed since the conflict began.

In Australia, the war has sparked frequent protests from both Jewish and Muslim communities, deepening political and social tensions.

As the investigations into the Melbourne incidents continue, community leaders are urging calm and calling for unity.

“Everyone has a right to feel safe and respected in this country, regardless of their faith,” said Ryvchin. “That’s a principle we must all defend — together.”

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