Australian police said the fire that occurred at the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne is considered a terrorist attack.
Three suspects are being sought in an early morning fire on Friday that left a man with minor burns on his hand and caused extensive damage.
Witnesses said they saw masked people spreading what appeared to be an accelerant in the building before setting the fire.
Victoria Police said they had no evidence that further anti-Semitic attacks were being planned, but patrols were being increased to reassure the community.
Following a meeting with the Australian Federal Police and domestic intelligence agency Asio, the state police force said additional “intelligence” had led them to conclude that the incident should be treated as a terrorist attack. dad can happen.
Commissioner Shane Patton said police had no information before the fire to suggest an arson attack was imminent.
He declined to provide any further details about the investigation while it continues.
Mr. Patton’s statement came a day after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the incident as “clearly terrorist” and admitted police were still considering it. He calls his description a “personal perspective”.
On Monday, state Premier Jacinta Allan said the terrorist designation meant police would now have more resources for their investigation.
Jewish community leaders said they believed the attack was an escalation of a recent rise in anti-Semitism recorded in Australia and that it raised concerns about violence.
Some worshipers were inside the building at the time of the fire and described hearing loud banging and seeing windows smashed, before liquid was thrown inside and set ablaze.
Synagogue council member Benjamin Klein, who spoke to witnesses, told The Age: “The whole thing happened quite quickly.”
After police at the scene were confronted by angry and scared worshipers on Friday, Mr. Patton said police were focusing on ensuring their safety.
“We have… more police deployed in areas where many Jews live and congregate,” he said.
Allan also called on the city to rally behind its Jewish communities.
“We cannot let conflicts abroad continue to cover up acts like this [this].”
