8 July 2025

Premier pledges further support for Melbourne's Jewish community following synagogue arson attack

| By John Murtagh
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The East Melbourne Synagogue, attacked recently in an antisemitic act of arson. Photo: East Melbourne Synagogue.

The Victorian Government has promised continuing support for the Jewish community following an arson attack on the East Melbourne Synagogue.

Premier Jacinta Allan visited the synagogue and met its Rabbi, Dovid Gutnick, to discuss how the congregation of Melbourne Orthodox Jews was feeling regarding the attack.

The Premier went on to pledge mental health support funding for the congregation, particularly for the children inside the building while the fire was lit.

READ ALSO Jewish students facing rising antisemitism on uni campuses, parliamentary inquiry finds

However, the latest in support is the recently announced “Anti-Hate Taskforce”, which will focus on broader issues in this area across the state, whereas many of the other initiatives focus on the community level.

The taskforce’s first meeting will centre on:

  • How the Victoria Police service plans to operationalise the criminal parts of the Anti-Vilification and Social Cohesion Act.
  • Community consultation and development of legislation for increased police powers to stamp out extreme and violent protests.
  • Talks with representatives of the Melbourne Jewish Community.

In December last year, the Victorian Government provided $80,000 for security infrastructure for the East Melbourne Hebrew congregation. The government also emphasised its Anti-Vilification and Social Cohesion Bill, which strengthens laws that protect Victorians from hate.

At the local level, the government has also established the Local Escalation and Help (LEAH) group, in partnership with the Federal Government, to support the Jewish community on the ground.

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Also, the government will soon receive the results of the Lekakis Review, an extensive community group consultation analysing the ability of multicultural policies, institutions and personnel to reject division.

In addition, the government has announced new laws aimed at stopping extreme, dangerous and radical public demonstrations, including bans on face coverings, attachment devices and “terrorist symbols”.

The Victorian Government has affirmed its support for the state’s Jewish community and its strong stance against extremism.

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