Australian PM confirms synagogue arson was terrorism, rejects government responsibility for rise in antisemitism

During a press conference on Sunday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed an earlier announcement by Australian police that the attack on a Melbourne synagogue last weekend was an act of terrorism.

Albanese affirmed that everything necessary would be done to find the perpetrators.

“As confirmed by authorities an hour and a half ago, the Melbourne attack will be investigated as a terrorist incident. Our world-class agencies will provide all the support necessary to find the perpetrators and ensure they face the full force of the law,” Albanese said during the press conference.

At the press conference, the Australian leader also announced the formation of a special task force to deal with antisemitism.

“Today, I can also announce that we have established AFP Special Operation Avalite for Antisemitism. This is in response to the attack last Friday morning that is now the third arson attack after the attack on Josh Burns’ electorate office and the Sydney Woollahra car incident. This will be a Commonwealth-led task force that will work with state and territory police forces,” he said.

Early on Friday morning, Dec. 6, the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea, Melbourne, was set on fire by two masked individuals. Two members inside the synagogue were hospitalized with severe burns and there was significant damage to the historic building. Police are still searching for the suspects.

Australia has recorded an astounding 400% increase in antisemitic incidents since the Hamas invasion and massacre in southern Israel on Oct. 7 of last year.

A report by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) revealed that 2,062 antisemitic incidents were recorded in Australia between October 2023 and September 2024. By comparison, only 495 cases were reported during the previous year.

Albanese pledged additional funding to bolster security for Jewish communities across the country.

“Yesterday I announced an additional $32.5 million of support for the program that has been providing security for the Jewish community, for synagogues, schools, other activities,” he said.

Albanese rejected criticism that his government’s passivity had encouraged the sharp rise in antisemitism in Australia, arguing that several measures had already been implemented to address the issue.

He said that the government introduced a “landmark ban on the Nazi salute and hate symbols came into effect in January of this year."

“We've appointed Jillian Segal as Australia's first Special Envoy to combat antisemitism. We criminalised doxxing in legislation that was passed through the Parliament on the last sitting day – that was opposed by the Liberal and National parties,” the Australian prime minister added.

Albanese said the government would appoint Australia's first-ever National Student Ombudsman, an independent office or individual dedicated to addressing and resolving complaints related to students' rights and experiences within the education system, typically at the national level.

In the weeks after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, Australia allocated $25 million in initial funding to enhance safety and security at Jewish sites, Albanese added. The decision came shortly after he publicly expressed his "unequivocal opposition" to the attack and reaffirmed "the right of Israel to defend itself," during a televised interview on the "Insiders ABC" program.

Albanese concluded his remarks by highlighting the government's proactive stance, noting that they had urged the cancellation of a rally at the Sydney Opera House before it took place. He also emphasized ongoing efforts, including introducing legislation in Parliament to criminalize hate speech, reaffirming the government's commitment to taking consistent action.

Albanese concluded his remarks by highlighting the Australian government's strong stance against hate speech.

"On the Monday, we called for the rally that was held at Sydney Opera House to not go ahead prior to that rally being held. And we have legislation now before the Parliament to criminalise hate speech. So we have consistently taken action. We'll continue to do so."

Australia is home to approximately 100,000 Jews, making it one of the largest Jewish communities in the world.