Antisemitic incidents ‘an attack on Australia’
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has told Jewish Australians, "You belong in Australia" after a horror weekend.
Australian political leaders and community figures have united to condemn the shocking arson attack on East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation on Friday night, with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke declaring the incident “an attack on Australia”.
The attack occurred while 20 people were inside the synagogue, with the entrance door set alight. An arrest has been made, which authorities say was one of three related attacks that night involving arson, death chants and graffiti.
Less than 2km from the synagogue, a group of about 20 anti-Israel activists targeted Israeli restaurant Miznon chanting “death to the IDF”.
Activists said they targeted the restaurant, owned by Israeli celebrity chef Eyal Shani, because his business partner, entrepreneur Shahar Segal, advocates on behalf of the US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation aid group.
Pro-Palestine activist Jemima Demanuele has been stood down from her role transferring patients at St Vincent’s Hospital after she was identified flipping off staff and patrons at the restaurant.
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