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PM rejects Netanyahu’s claim Melbourne synagogue attack was linked to UN vote

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned the burning of a Melbourne synagogue as an act of “terrorism” but denied the Israeli prime minister’s suggestion that the attack was linked to Australia’s vote at the United Nations earlier this week. Meanwhile, the government announced $32.5 million to improve security at synagogues and Jewish schools. The Jewish community was shocked by the arson attack on the Adass Israel synagogue in Ripponlea by two masked men on Friday.

PM refutes Netanyahu's claim Melbourne synagogue attack linked to UN vote

The Prime Minister responded to Netanyahu’s claim that the Melbourne synagogue attack was linked to the UN vote. (Channel Nine) The incident was strongly criticised by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called it a “shocking act of anti-Semitism”. At a press conference today, Albanese said the rise in anti-Semitism was worrying and he said the government had “consistently” called out anti-Semitism. He said Victoria Police and the Australian Federal Police would meet tomorrow to formally determine whether the synagogue attack was an act of terrorism. “But if you want to hear my personal opinion, it’s clear that the purpose of terrorism is to create fear in a community and the atrocity that took place at the Melbourne synagogue was clearly designed to create fear in a community,” Albanese told reporters.

PM refutes Netanyahu's claim Melbourne synagogue attack linked to UN vote

The Adass Israel synagogue in Ripponlea, Melbourne, was vandalized. (Channel 9) “So from my personal perspective, this certainly meets the definition of terrorism.” Netanyahu went on to blame Australia’s “anti-Israel stance” for the attack, after the Australian government joined 156 countries in voting to call on Israel to “end its illegal presence in the occupied Palestinian territories as soon as possible”. Albanese defended the decision, insisting the government has long held a two-state solution position. “Can I make this very clear? 156 countries supported the resolution adopted by the United Nations, and four of Australia’s most important security partners in the Five Eyes alliance voted in favor of the resolution. New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia,” Albanese said.

PM refutes Netanyahu's claim Melbourne synagogue attack linked to UN vote

Firefighters at Adas Israel synagogue in Melbourne. (Photo: The Age/Simon Schluter) (Channel 9) “Beyond that, our key partners, whether it’s France, Japan, Germany or our Asean partners, have overwhelmingly supported this resolution.” “If there are attacks on places of worship, places of religious gathering, then of course that is a terrorist attack,” Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said. “He thinks he can win votes at home by not taking a strong anti-Semitic stance, and I think that’s a disgrace,” Dutton said, criticising the Prime Minister. It prompted a rare split between the two major parties on foreign policy and national security at a time of great global uncertainty. “When they are afraid to practice their religion, that’s not the country I grew up in and that’s not the country I want to leave,” Nationals leader David Littleproud said. Albanese reiterated his call for the release of Gaza’s remaining hostages. The government will pledge $32.5 million to the Executive Council of Australian Jewry “to tackle increasing anti-Semitism in Australia”. It will improve security at Jewish sites such as synagogues and schools. This is in addition to the $25 million announced last year and funding for Jewish community venues under the Albanese government’s $50 million Protection of Faith Places Grant Program. A meeting between state and federal police will be held tomorrow. On the streets of Melbourne, thousands of pro-Israel protesters marched in solidarity with the synagogue.

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