Melbourne, Australia – In a distressing echo of historical attacks, the Adass Israel Synagogue, a cornerstone for Melbourne’s Jewish community, was devastated by a firebombing earlier this month. This event marks a somber reminder of the vulnerabilities that Jewish communities continue to face globally. Synagogues, historically the center of Jewish religious life, have become focal points not only for worship and community bonding but, regrettably, for antisemitic attacks as well.
Throughout history, synagogues have been targeted during periods of heightened antisemitism, most notoriously during events such as Kristallnacht in 1938. Also known as the Night of Broken Glass, this pogrom in Nazi Germany saw the destruction of hundreds of synagogues and the beginning of the Holocaust. This tragic past continues to resonate today, demonstrated by the recent attack that not only razed a significant religious venue but also injured two people and destroyed numerous sacred texts.
The attack occurred on the anniversary of a notable protest on December 6, 1938, by Aboriginal activist William Cooper against Nazi persecution of Jews—a poignant reminder of the long-standing ties between various groups united against oppression. Approximately 32,000 Holocaust survivors found refuge in Australia post-World War II, many in Melbourne. Their legacy is tightly interwoven with the Adass Israel Synagogue, increasing the community’s emotional toll from this attack.
Recent years have seen a concerning rise in antisemitic incidents in Australia, including the harassment of Jewish public figures, negligence by educational leaders in safeguarding Jewish students, and inflammatory public demonstrations against Israel. The attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue is not an isolated incident but a part of a distressing pattern of increasing antisemitic violence, emphasizing the necessity for national introspection and action.
Globally, this incident adds to a growing list of violent assaults on Jewish communities, marking it as the ninth significant attack since 2023. These acts not only represent direct harm but also contribute to a broader atmosphere of fear and hostility, resonating with the darkest times in Jewish history.
The resurgence of such violent acts is emblematic of a larger trend of rising far-right nationalism and xenophobia that targets minorities. The framing of Jews as scapegoats for societal issues is a historical pattern that unfortunately persists, finding new life in modern crises and fueled by current political and social turmoil.
The response to this violence, both locally and globally, involves not only heightened security and legal measures but also educational efforts aimed at combating the ignorance and prejudice often at the heart of hate crimes. Australia, along with 24 other nations, has initiated positions such as special envoys to specifically address and combat antisemitism.
However, as Emeritus Professor Konrad Kwiet, a historian specialized in Jewish history and antisemitism notes, education itself must evolve. Reflecting on decades of teaching and research, Kwiet advocates for a Holocaust education that goes beyond mere historical recounting. He emphasizes the importance of integrating critical thinking and civic responsibility into curricula to foster a more compassionate and understanding society.
In times of increasing global division, the importance of collective action and responsibility is more pronounced. Political leaders, educators, religious organizations, and community leaders are called upon to stand in solidarity against hatred. It is only through a unified front that society can hope to protect its most vulnerable and ensure a legacy of tolerance and peace for future generations.