'This Is An Attack on Australia,’ Home Affairs Minister Burke Says About Melbourne Synagogue Arson

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has condemned the recent arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue, declaring it an assault not only on the Jewish community but on the nation as a whole.   Speaking to media on Sunday morning, Burke reiterated that antisemitism has “no place” in Australia and said the Friday night incident harmed both the Jewish and broader Australian communities. “This is not simply an arson attack,” Burke said. “What matters here is that this is an attack on Australia — an attack on Australian values. And we are here today in solidarity to stand together with the community.”

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has condemned the recent arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue, declaring it an assault not only on the Jewish community but on the nation as a whole.

  Speaking to media on Sunday morning, Burke reiterated that antisemitism has “no place” in Australia and said the Friday night incident harmed both the Jewish and broader Australian communities. “This is not simply an arson attack,” Burke said. “What matters here is that this is an attack on Australia — an attack on Australian values. And we are here today in solidarity to stand together with the community.” As reported by

The Guardian

, the fire, which broke out at the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation during Shabbat, forced the evacuation of around 20 people. Police believe the attack was deliberately set by an unknown individual who fled the scene.

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Burke emphasized the federal government’s commitment to combating hate and antisemitism, referencing past legislative efforts to outlaw hate symbols and criminalize incitements to violence and hate speech. “This government, including [former attorney-general] Mark Dreyfus in the last term of parliament, has taken the strongest actions Australia has ever seen,” he said. “But the responsibility to eliminate antisemitism doesn’t rest with government alone — it belongs to every single one of us.” Burke welcomed the arrests made in connection to the incident and confirmed he had received two briefings from the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP). He also held conversations with the Victorian police commissioner and the head of the Department of Home Affairs. In a further show of support, Burke met with local community leaders and Rabbi Dovid Gutnick, leader of the targeted synagogue. The arson attack has drawn widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum and community leaders, amid rising concern over the increasing number of antisemitic incidents in Australia.