Opposition Leader visits East Melbourne Synagogue

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley visited the East Melbourne Synagogue on Tuesday to express her solidarity with the Jewish community following the arson attack on the shule. She met with Jewish community leaders to hear their concerns, alongside Senator James Paterson, Senator Paul Scarr, Shadow Attorney-General Julian Leeser and Caulfield MP David Southwick.

Following the meeting, Ley told reporters she “wholeheartedly” supported the 15-point plan by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) to counter antisemitism.

“What is so clear is that hate can never be normalised. It can never be excused. It can never be explained away. We stand with the Jewish community in Australia today and every day,” Ley said.

“I would respectfully ask the Premier of Victoria to consider how she might instruct law enforcement in a way that allows stronger attention.”

Leeser added, “I note that after the Adass Israel fire, state government in Victoria promised a series of actions seven months ago, yet there has been no legislation put forward in Victoria to deal with some of these issues.”