Australian leader blames antisemitism for arson that damaged synagogue

Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann speaks to the media at the scene of a fire at Adass Israel Synagogue in the suburb of Ripponlea, Melbourne, (Con Chronis/AAP via AP)

Arsonists extensively damaged a Melbourne synagogue on Friday in what Australia’s prime minister condemned as an antisemitic attack on the country’s values.

The blaze in the Adass Israel Synagogue is an escalation in targeted attacks in Australia since the war began between Israel and Hamas last year. Cars and buildings have been vandalised and torched around Australia in protests inspired by the war.