Thursday, 6 February 2025

 David SOUTHWICK (Caulfield) (10:17): At approximately 4:15 on Friday 6 December 2024 the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea was firebombed by two arsonists. Two arsonists smashed glass windows to enter the building. They came prepared with petrol drums and brooms to spread the petrol around the synagogue to maximise the damage. At the time there were community members inside the synagogue, including one who attended every single morning at about 4 o’clock to get things set for the day. Despite knowing that congregants were inside, the arsonists proceeded with setting the fire alight. Thankfully the congregants made it out alive, although one of them received burns and required medical attention.

This attack has shaken Melbourne’s Jewish community, who have struggled with the unprecedented rise in antisemitism since 7 October. The one positive part of this story is the outpouring of support from across the nation and internationally. We have seen so many people come and pay their respects to the community. There has recently been a website saying ‘Don’t let hate win’. Since then over $2 million has been raised to support the rebuilding of the synagogue. This is a time when hate must never win, and I want to pay respects to the board, to Michael Spiegelman, the chair, and Benjamin Klein for their tireless work to ensure that the Adass synagogue will be rebuilt. This should never happen, and this must never happen again.