**Australian PM Vows to Act Against Arson Attack on Synagogue**
The Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, has promised to take strong action against those responsible for an apparent arson attack on a synagogue in Melbourne. The incident occurred on Friday night when a man poured liquid on the front door of the East Melbourne Synagogue and set it on fire. Fortunately, about 20 people who were inside the synagogue at the time were evacuated safely.
**Investigation Underway**
Police are currently investigating the incident and trying to determine if it is connected to an attack on a Jewish restaurant in the same city that occurred on the same night. The Australian government has already taken steps to combat antisemitism, including appointing a special envoy and passing tougher laws against hate crimes.
**Government Response**
Prime Minister Albanese vowed that those responsible for the attack would face “the full force of law.” He added that his government would provide all necessary assistance to help bring the perpetrators to justice. This promise comes amidst growing concerns about antisemitism in Australia, particularly following a wave of high-profile attacks on Jewish institutions.
**Tougher Laws and Special Envoy**
In recent months, the Australian government has introduced tougher laws against hate crimes and appointed a special envoy to combat antisemitism. However, critics argue that more needs to be done to address this toxic disease. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has been a volatile issue in Australia, leading to protests from both Jewish and Muslim communities.
**Consequences of Global Tensions**
The Israeli military’s campaign in Gaza following the October 2023 attack has had far-reaching consequences, including a significant increase in Islamophobia and antisemitism. At least 57,268 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory’s health ministry. This global tension is likely to continue affecting communities around the world.
**A Call for Action**
The Australian government must take decisive action to address this growing problem of antisemitism. The appointment of a special envoy and tougher laws against hate crimes are steps in the right direction, but more needs to be done to ensure that Jewish institutions and communities feel safe. As Prime Minister Albanese said, “Antisemitism is not welcome in Australia.” It’s time for action.
Read More @ www.bbc.com
