A weekend plagued by “terrifying” antisemitism

A newly developed Anti-Hate Taskforce is expected to meet this week, aiming to crack down on antisemitism and restore public safety following a frightening weekend of anti-Jewish attacks across Melbourne.

The historic East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation was set alight on Friday evening, forcing 20 people inside, including children, to flee. Sydney man Angelo Loras, 34, was charged over the alleged arson attack, while police work to determine whether to classify the incident as an act of terror. He has been remanded in custody until later this month.

Not long after, pro-Palestinian protesters – many wearing keffiyehs – stormed Israeli restaurant Miznon on Hardware Lane, throwing food, upending tables, smashing windows and terrifying patrons.

Elsewhere, hooded offenders vandalised Lovitt Technologies Australia – a weapons company with links to Israel – and set cars alight in Greensborough early Saturday morning, before fleeing on e-bikes. The company has previously been targeted by protesters opposing the Israeli military.