On Friday, an arson attack took place at the historic East Melbourne synagogue. This was a brazen attack on a place of worship, when people were inside the synagogue, having finished Shabbat prayers and enjoying a meal together.
People practicing their faith should be able to do so safely, free from harassment, intimidation and violence. Acts of violence against people attending places of worship are absolutely abhorrent and should be treated with the utmost seriousness.
The police and Government have given assurances that the attack on the synagogue will be treated with the full force of the law.
Bishop Huggins has prepared a statement on behalf of the Multicultural Advisory Group (MAG) of the Victorian Multicultural Commission:
The crimes of hate that began the holocaust included the targeting of synagogues. Those terrible memories are revived by Friday evening’s hateful acts in Melbourne.
Hitherto Victoria has been a place where Jewish people have felt relatively safe. Our Jewish friends tell us this is no longer the case. Some say they are glad their departed parents or grandparents, who sought safety here after the holocaust ,are not alive to see these days.
Those of us in the Multicultural Advisory Group (MAG) find these sentiments heartbreaking to hear from friends. Such deep sentiments are only offered by Jewish friends who trust us with such poignant truths about their lives.
Thus, as MAG members, we make this Statement of compassion and solidarity. We understand how close to the surface are these holocaust memories. We know ourselves how the trauma of hateful violence scars us and how these memories are intergenerational.
Hence we convey the assurance of our prayers and meditations at this time. We stand together in seeking a Victoria with renewed multi faith harmony.
We hope we might meet together soon to convey what is in our hearts and to consider what else we might do to renew and strengthen our social cohesion.
Archbishop +Peter Comensoli, Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne, wrote:
“Returning from overseas travel last night, it was with a heavy heart that I learned of the violent events and behaviours that took place against our Jewish brothers and sisters – particularly at the East Melbourne Synagogue, a neighbour to our own Catholic community. My prayers, and those of the Catholic faithful in Melbourne are with all experiencing a renewed fear and trauma that should never have a hold in our society.”
Uniting Church Moderator (Synod of Vic/Tas) Rev David Fotheringham writes:
On behalf of the Uniting Church I’m deeply devastated to hear of atrocious acts against the Jewish community, and indeed the community at worship. Along with many people of all faiths and none we call for an end to such violent actions, and we pray for those who have been targeted.
These ongoing attacks and intimidation are so very exhausting – emotionally, physically, spiritually – for the Jewish community in Melbourne. It is a tragedy that there are some in our wider community who have become emboldened to harm and damage and destroy, rather than strengthen social cohesion and build mutual understanding and respect, so all may live in peace/shalom.
Rabbi Gutnick’s response to the media, given in the immediate aftermath of the arson attack was a measured response – recognising the sad reality that security may need to be tightened to make it harder to access the building, ‘without turning it in Fort Knox’, while at the same time not abandoning the commitment of the synagogue to be a place of welcome.
The synagogue on Albert St in in a ‘faith precinct’ — St Peter’s Eastern Hill (Anglican), St Patrick’s Cathedral (Catholic), and the German Lutheran Trinity Church (Lutheran). The clergy meet monthly and work well together.
“There’s certainly kind of a pall or some type of darkness hovering at the moment and it’s a bit uncomfortable, it’s upsetting. But at the same time, it kind of makes a synagogue like ours, our work even more important – to be welcoming, to be a beacon.” (Rabbi Gutnick)
The words of a modern “saint”, the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu: ‘Hope is being able to see that there is light, despite all the darkness’.
ABC report of the arson attack on the East Melbourne synagogue and an updated report about an arrest.
Religions for Peace Australia article