The Albanese Government has announced a multi-million-dollar commitment to restore Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue after it was targeted in a firebomb attack last December.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton have both pledged significant funding, reinforcing their stance against antisemitism in Australia.
Prime Minister Albanese condemned the attack, calling it a “crime of cowardice and prejudice” that aimed to silence the Jewish community.
“The rise of antisemitism is abhorrent, and there is no place for the kind of hate speech and attacks we have seen recently in our country.”
To support the synagogue’s restoration, the Albanese government has allocated $30 million for rebuilding efforts in Ripponlea, Victoria. An additional $1.2 million will be provided for security upgrades to the synagogue and community centre, set to reopen this year. This funding will be reflected in next week’s Budget.
The government had already provided $250,000 for the restoration of Torah Scrolls housed in the synagogue.
“There can be no place in Australia for antisemitism. We are taking action to stamp out this scourge,” the Prime Minister stated.
The Labor government has introduced several measures to combat antisemitism, including:
- Establishing Operation Avalite with the AFP to counter antisemitic acts.
- Imposing new counter-terrorism financing sanctions on Terrorgram.
- Banning the Nazi salute and hate symbols with penalties of up to one year imprisonment and a $16,500 fine.
- Criminalising doxxing, despite opposition from the Coalition.
- Creating a national database to track antisemitic incidents.
- Committing $25 million for improved security at Jewish sites, including schools, after the October 7 terrorist attacks.
- Allocating $32.5 million for additional security at schools and synagogues.
- Passing legislation to criminalise hate speech.
- Announcing more than $100 million for countering violent extremism.
During a visit to the fire-damaged site, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton vowed to rebuild the synagogue “bigger and better” and pledged a $35 million commitment if the Coalition returns to government.
“We want to bring it back to life, much bigger and better than what it was. That is a symbolic response to those people who have hate in their hearts,” Dutton said alongside Liberal Goldstein candidate Tim Wilson.
Dutton also promised to:
- Introduce laws to deport visa holders convicted of antisemitic crimes.
- Establish a judicial inquiry into antisemitism at universities.
- Provide $32.5 million to the Executive Council of Australian Jewry for security operations, including funding armed guards at schools and synagogues.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of December 6, 2024, has been deemed a likely act of terrorism by the Victorian and Australian Federal Police. Investigations are ongoing.
The Albanese government had already delivered emergency security funding following the attack, including support after a separate arson attack on a childcare centre in Randwick, Sydney, which was also vandalised with antisemitic graffiti.
The synagogue remains closed, but both major political parties have committed to its restoration, sending a strong message that Australia stands united against antisemitism.
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