Horrific Hate Crime
Shocking Arson at Melbourne Synagogue: UPDATE | WATCH
A 34-year-old Sydney man, Angelo Loras, was charged with reckless conduct endangering life after setting fire to the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation synagogue while about 20 worshipers were inside.
A 34-year-old man from Sydney, identified as Angelo Loras, has been charged following a fire at the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation synagogue on Friday night, July 4, 2025. The incident occurred while approximately 20 people were inside the synagogue, gathered for a meal. Victoria state police arrested Loras, who resides in the Sydney suburb of Toongabbie, on Saturday, July 5, 2025, and charged him with reckless conduct endangering life among other offenses. He appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court today (Sunday, July 6) and was remanded in custody until a further hearing scheduled for July 22 without applying for bail.
According to police statements, Loras allegedly poured a flammable liquid on the front door of the synagogue and ignited it before fleeing. The worshipers inside managed to escape unharmed through a rear exit before firefighters extinguished the blaze. Authorities are investigating whether the attack was motivated by terrorism, examining Loras's intent and ideology. Loras describes himself on the social media platform X as “Single, Iranian, forklift driver, music lover.”
The arson attack has heightened concerns within Melbourne's Jewish community, which has faced a surge in antisemitic incidents since October 7, 2023. Between October 2023 and September 2024, Australia recorded over 2,000 anti-Jewish incidents, a quadrupling from the previous year, according to the Executive Council of Australian Jewry. This event marks the latest in a series of attacks targeting Jewish institutions and individuals in Melbourne and Sydney, with some linked to anger over Israel's actions in the Middle East.
Dvir Abramovich, head of the Anti-Defamation Commission, expressed relief at Loras's arrest, stating it provided “some comfort to a community gripped by fear, anger, and disbelief.” The attack occurred seven months after another arson incident at a Melbourne synagogue, which injured one person and caused extensive damage.
Simultaneously, police are investigating two other incidents from the same night that targeted Jewish residents in Melbourne. One involved approximately 20 anti-Israel protesters who allegedly disrupted an Israeli-owned restaurant, chanting “Death to the IDF” and causing damage. Another incident saw cars set ablaze and marked with antisemitic graffiti. Victoria Police Commander Zorka Dunstan noted that all three events suggest antisemitic or anti-Israel motives.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the synagogue attack as a “cowardly” act of antisemitism, and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed discussions with the Israeli ambassador in Australia. Israeli leaders have also denounced the attacks, labeling them as “vile” antisemitism.
The East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation, a central institution for the local Jewish community, has been a focal point for such incidents, reflecting broader global trends of rising antisemitism since the onset of the Gaza conflict.