Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has denounced the recent arson attack on the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation as an “attack on Australia,” underscoring the nation’s core values of religious freedom and multiculturalism. The incident, which occurred during Shabbat services, saw a 34-year-old New South Wales man charged with attempted arson after allegedly setting fire to the synagogue’s entrance while congregants were inside.
Burke visited the synagogue on Sunday, meeting with Rabbi Dovid Gutnick and community leaders. He emphasized that such acts harm not only the Jewish community but the broader Australian society, stating, “This is not simply an arson attack; it’s an attack on Australia, an attack on Australian values.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog condemned the attack, urging the Australian government to take decisive action against antisemitic hate crimes. In response, the Victorian government announced the formation of an anti-hate taskforce to address and prevent such incidents.
While Burke’s condemnation of the synagogue attack has been clear and forceful, his responses to previous incidents of Islamophobia demonstrate a consistent stance against religious bigotry. Following a series of bomb threats targeting the Lakemba Mosque in Sydney, Burke labeled the threats as “horrific” examples of hate speech and emphasized that such acts are criminal offenses. He stated, “People who act with criminal intent and use hate speech and Islamophobia are guilty of crimes. This cannot go on.”
In December 2024, Burke addressed the rise in both antisemitism and Islamophobia following global events, asserting that “all forms of bigotry are unacceptable in Australia.” He highlighted the government’s commitment to combating hate by strengthening laws and enhancing police powers to address such issues.
Burke’s consistent condemnation of hate crimes, regardless of the targeted community, underscores his commitment to protecting Australia’s diverse religious and cultural landscape. As investigations into the Melbourne synagogue attack continue, Burke and other leaders emphasize the importance of unity and vigilance against all forms of hate.
