Australian authorities condemn arson attack on Melbourne synagogue

Victoria premier says any attack on a Jewish place of worship is an act of anti-Semitism

The central business district (CBD) of Melbourne can be seen from the area located along the Yarra River called Southbank located in Melbourne, Australia, Jul 27, 2016. REUTERS

Australian authorities on Saturday condemned what they said was an arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue with worshippers in the building, the latest in a spate of incidents against the nation's Jewish community.

The fire at the synagogue in the east of Victoria's state capital was sparked on Friday night, police said in a statement. Firefighters extinguished the blaze at the entrance and there were no injuries to the 20 people inside.

"Any attack on a place of worship is an act of hate, and any attack on a Jewish place of worship is an act of anti-Semitism," Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan said in a statement on Saturday.

Police said they believed the attack, in which flammable liquid was poured on the synagogue's front door and set alight was carried out by a male suspect. He has not been identified but is thought to be white and aged in his 30s.

There is "no place in our society for antisemitic or hate-based behaviour", police said.

Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of Executive Council of Australian Jewry, an umbrella group for Australia's Jews, said in a statement the arson took place as those inside sat down to Shabbat dinner.

"These events are a severe escalation directed towards our community," Ryvchin said.

Australia has experienced several antisemitic incidents this year, with homes, schools, synagogues and vehicles targeted by vandalism and arson, drawing the ire of the country's traditional ally Israel.

The incidents have included a fake plan set up by organised crime to attack a Sydney synagogue using a caravan of explosives in order to divert police resources, police said in March.