Australian law enforcement authorities have officially labeled the recent arson attack on a synagogue in Melbourne as a terrorist act. The Adass Israel Synagogue was extensively damaged in the blaze that occurred last week, prompting an investigation by the arson squad detectives. However, the case has now been taken over by the Joint Counter-Terrorism Team, which includes Victoria state Police, Australian Federal Police, and the Australian Security Intelligence Organization.
The decision to transition the investigation to the Joint Counter-Terrorism Team provides additional resources and legal powers to pursue the three suspects involved in the attack. Witnesses reported seeing two masked individuals spreading a liquid accelerant in the synagogue before the fire broke out. The role of the third suspect remains undisclosed, and the identities of the suspects have not been revealed by the authorities.
This incident marks the first declared terrorist act in Australia since April, when a 16-year-old boy allegedly attacked a bishop and priest in a Sydney church. The escalation in targeted attacks in Australia has been linked to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, with incidents of vandalism and arson reported across the country.
In response to the rise in antisemitic incidents, the Australian Federal Police announced the formation of Special Operation Avalite to combat threats and violence against the Jewish community. The initiative aims to enhance security at community sites, including synagogues and schools, following recent attacks on the synagogue and other Jewish establishments.
Government officials have expressed their commitment to ensuring the safety of the Jewish community in Australia. The Victoria government has offered financial support to repair the damaged synagogue, while the federal government has allocated funds to enhance security measures at Jewish community sites.
