Two reported assaults against Melbourne’s Jewish community occurred last night, with one incident involving a synagogue. An unidentified individual entered the Albert Street synagogue in East Melbourne around 8 PM, dousing the front door with a flammable substance and igniting it before escaping, according to Victoria Police. At the time of the arson, 20 people were inside, but fortunately, they managed to evacuate through the back entrance without harm. Firefighters responded quickly and contained the fire to the entrance. Authorities are currently investigating to determine the motive behind this attack.
In a separate but simultaneous event, protestors allegedly vandalised an Israeli restaurant in the Melbourne CBD. Although both incidents transpired around the same hour, the police have stated that there is no connection between them. Investigations into both occurrences are ongoing.