WBII Statement on the Arson Attack at Adass Israel Synagogue

The recent arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne is a stark and sobering reminder of the pernicious threat of anti-Zionism that continues to rear its head globally. This assault on a historic place of worship, injuring two individuals and causing extensive damage, is not merely an act of vandalism. It is a deliberate attack on the Jewish community’s identity, heritage, and right to live without fear.

The targeting of a synagogue—a sanctuary of faith and a cornerstone of Jewish communal life—is an affront to the principles of tolerance, coexistence, and respect that should underpin any civilised society. Such acts are not isolated incidents; they are part of a troubling pattern of rising anti-Zionism that must be met with unequivocal condemnation and action.

We commend the swift response of Fire Rescue Victoria and the Victoria Police Arson Squad, whose efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice are vital in sending a clear message: antisemitic violence will not and cannot be tolerated. Justice in this instance is not merely for the Jewish community in Melbourne but for all who believe in the sanctity of human dignity and the rule of law.

This attack comes against a backdrop of escalating hostility towards Jewish communities worldwide. Anti-Zionism, often disguised as political discourse or cultural critique, is increasingly emboldened, and its resurgence demands our collective attention and action. Failure to confront this menace is to tacitly allow the erosion of the values that hold free societies together.

We at We Believe In Israel stand in unwavering solidarity with the Jewish community in Melbourne and beyond. This is a moment to recommit ourselves to fighting anti-Zionism in all its forms, to ensuring the safety and dignity of Jewish communities, and to defending the freedoms that allow all faiths and identities to flourish. The burning of a synagogue is a warning—one that demands vigilance, resolve, and courage from all who value liberty and justice.

It is a call to action for governments, civil society, and individuals alike to confront this hatred head-on and to reaffirm the principle that diversity is not a weakness but a strength. Our thoughts are with those directly affected by this attack. But thoughts alone are not enough. We must act, speak out, and ensure that such outrages are met with the full force of justice and the unwavering solidarity of those who refuse to let hatred go unchallenged.