Australia: Iranian man sets synagogue on fire while worshippers dine inside

Image: Jihad Watch

Australian authorities have arrested and charged a man accused of carrying out a potentially terror-related arson attack on a synagogue in East Melbourne, as tensions rise amid a series of antisemitic incidents across the country.

The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Angelo Loras from Toongabbie, a suburb in western Sydney, is believed to have deliberately set fire to the front entrance of the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation on Friday night. At the time of the attack, approximately 20 worshipers were inside the building observing a Shabbat dinner—a sacred weekly gathering for the Jewish community.

According to Victoria Police, Loras allegedly poured a flammable substance on the synagogue’s front door and ignited it before fleeing the scene. Fortunately, none of the attendees were injured, as they managed to safely evacuate through the rear exit of the building. Firefighters responded quickly, extinguishing the flames before they could cause significant harm.

Loras has been formally charged with multiple offenses, including reckless conduct endangering life. However, police have stated that he is not currently linked to two other antisemitic incidents that occurred around the same time in the city. Investigators are now closely examining Loras’s motivations and beliefs to assess whether the arson qualifies as a terrorist act under Australian law.

During his initial court appearance at the Melbourne Magistrates Court, Loras did not seek bail and was remanded in custody until his next scheduled hearing on July 22. On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), he describes himself as “Single, Iranian, forklift driver, music lover.”

The attack comes amid a disturbing surge in antisemitic acts in both Melbourne and Sydney, a trend authorities say may be connected to growing tensions surrounding the conflict in the Middle East. Australian political leaders have strongly condemned the violence and pledged to crack down on hate crimes targeting the Jewish community.

In a separate incident reported the same night, several cars in another part of Melbourne were torched and defaced with antisemitic graffiti, adding to fears that Jewish Australians are increasingly being targeted in a climate of rising hostility.

Police and counter-terrorism units continue to investigate all incidents, with community leaders urging vigilance and solidarity in the face of escalating threats.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)