Jewish people are being urged to think twice before visiting Australia after a suspected terror attack on a Melbourne synagogue sparked safety concerns. The Simon Wiesenthal Centre, a Jewish human rights organization, issued a travel advisory, warning of persistent threats and violence against Jews in Australia.
Rabbi Abraham Cooper voiced his concerns in a letter to Australia's US Ambassador Kevin Rudd, expressing outrage over the targeting of Jewish Australians. He stated that authorities have failed to adequately protect the community from rising hostility, particularly from extremists.
The attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne occurred just days after Australia supported a controversial UN resolution against Israel. Rabbi Cooper argued such actions embolden those who harbor anti-Semitic sentiments.
The travel warning aligns with Israel's existing advisory for heightened caution when traveling to Australia, especially following the firebombing of the Ripponlea synagogue in Melbourne’s southeast. This incident, under investigation as a terror attack, has prompted criticism of law enforcement for being slow to tackle anti-Semitism.
Premier Jacinta Allan, however, defended Victoria as a safe place to live and visit, emphasizing police efforts under “Operation Park” to address conflicts stemming from the Middle East crisis.
Special envoy Jillian Segal called the attack “the final straw” after a year of escalating anti-Semitism. She urged for a coordinated response to address the rise in hate crimes. Meanwhile, Israel’s ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon, visited the damaged synagogue, expressing shock and sadness but applauding the community’s resilience.
The Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT), including state and federal police and ASIO officers, is leading the investigation. Declaring the firebombing a terror attack grants investigators broader powers, such as conducting searches and detaining individuals without a warrant.
While the Jewish community remains shaken, they are determined to rebuild, with plans to reopen the synagogue soon. The attack has cast a spotlight on the urgent need to combat anti-Semitism in Australia and ensure the safety of its Jewish population.
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