Melbourne synagogue set on fire in 'deliberate' attack, Australian PM vows 'zero tolerance for antisemitism'
FOX NewsDec 08
Australia: Synagogue Fire Declared Terror Act, Task Force Formed
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Above: Australia’s opposition leader, Peter Dutton (third from left), speaks with members of the Jewish community outside the damaged Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea, a suburb of Melbourne, on Dec. 9, 2024. Image copyright: Martin Keep/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
Australian authorities officially designated Friday's arson attack on the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne as a terrorist incident, launching a joint investigation involving the Victoria Police, Federal Police (AFP), and the Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO).
The deliberate arson attack on Dec. 6 resulted in significant damage and one minor injury, with witnesses reporting seeing masked individuals starting the blaze.
The Spin
Left narrative
Australian authorities are meticulously investigating the Adass Israel Synagogue attack, ensuring strong evidence supports any conclusions, so as to secure justice and avoid missteps. Meanwhile, the government is combating antisemitism with significant funding to bolster security at Jewish sites, demonstrating a commitment to justice, safety, and inclusion while preventing future acts of hate.
Right narrative
After doing nothing to combat anti-Semitism over the past 14 months, it's time for the Albanese government to stop beating around the bush. The liberals in power have been so worried about offending the anti-Israel faction that they've allowed literal terrorists with firebombs to harass and attack worshipping Jews. Australia did not have an anti-Semitism problem until very recently, and these developments point to Albanese's post-Oct. 7 governance.
Narrative C
The hardcore pro-Israel and pro-Palestine factions have forced both sides into an Oppression Olympics, with today's activism landscape being undermined by double standards, rising antisemitism, and a lack of cross-cultural empathy. Protests have alienated Jewish and Muslim communities who wish to bring a nuanced approach to the debate — the shared goal should be peace and common ground, rather than proving one side has it worse than the other.
