URGENT UPDATE: The Jewish community in Australia is gripped by fear following intelligence that the Iranian government directed two alarming anti-Semitic attacks in Melbourne and Sydney. This revelation comes as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announces immediate actions against the Iranian regime, heightening concerns among Jewish Australians.
The Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne was firebombed in December 2024, injuring a worshipper and causing significant damage. A senior official from Albanese’s office informed synagogue board member Benjamin Klein that these “dangerous acts of aggression” were orchestrated by Tehran. Klein expressed his shock, stating,
“It is quite shocking and traumatic to think that a peaceful, loving shule in Melbourne is targeted and attacked by terrorists from overseas.”
In Sydney, the Lewis’ Continental Kitchen, a well-known kosher deli in Bondi, was also attacked on October 20, 2024. The deli’s owner, Judith Lewis, continues to process the implications of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps’ involvement in the attack, which reportedly recruited local crime elements. Alex Ryvchin of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry emphasized the profound fear these attacks instill in the Jewish community, stating,
“The fact that a business is targeted makes every Jewish Australian fearful that they could be next.”
In a decisive move, Prime Minister Albanese has expelled the Iranian ambassador, marking the first such action by Australia since World War II. This response underscores the gravity of the situation, as Iranian officials quickly denied the allegations. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, attempted to deflect blame, linking Australia’s actions to its relations with Israel.
The Australian government is also preparing to classify the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization, a significant development in the fight against foreign interference on Australian soil. Albanese stated,
“These were extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil.”
Community leaders are welcoming the government’s actions, emphasizing the need for a strong response against the Iranian regime. Ryvchin noted,
“Israel’s enemies are Australia’s enemies. That much is clear.”
Currently, investigations are ongoing, with police having arrested Wayne Dean Ogden for the deli arson. He is set to appear in court on October 21, 2025. Meanwhile, Sayed Mohammed Moosawi, who pleaded not guilty to charges related to the deli attack, is also facing renewed legal scrutiny.
The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) has indicated that more anti-Semitic attacks may be linked to these incidents, leaving the Jewish community anxious and alert. As authorities ramp up security measures, the emotional toll on community members continues to rise, with many grappling with the fear that their places of worship and businesses could be next targets.
This alarming situation remains fluid, and further updates are expected as investigations progress. The Jewish community in Australia is left to navigate these challenging times, seeking safety and solidarity amidst a backdrop of international tensions. Stay tuned for more developments.
