CNN —An arson attack on a synagogue in Melbourne last week is being investigated as terrorist incident, Australian officials said Monday, as the government announced it was establishing a new task force to combat antisemitism. The Adass Israel Synagogue in the city’s south – one of Australia’s most significant Jewish centers – burst into flames early on Friday sending worshippers fleeing during overnight prayers. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Friday’s fire at the Melbourne synagogue was the third antisemitic attack in recent months. “Unfortunately, in Australia today those of Jewish ethnicity and religion are being targeted because of who they are,” he said. “The AFP will not tolerate crimes that undermine Australia’s security or our way of life.”A policewoman stands guard at the scene of a fire at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea, Melbourne, Australia, on December 6, 2024.

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Persons: Shane Patton, Monday, Patton, Anthony Albanese, Reece Kershaw, ”, “, Con Chronis, Albanese, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel ‘, Ayelet Shaked, Shaked, – Organizations: CNN, Victoria Police, Australian Federal Police, AFP, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, Australian, Reuters, United, Labor, Israel, UN, “ Locations: Melbourne, Israel, Sydney, Australia, Adass, Ripponlea, Gaza, Israeli, United Nations, “, Palestinian, “ Australia