The Jewish community in Australia is grappling with heightened fear following revelations that two recent attacks in Melbourne and Sydney were linked to the Iranian government. According to intelligence received by community leaders, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps directed these anti-Semitic acts, which include a firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne and a kosher deli in Sydney.
The Adass Israel Synagogue, targeted in December 2024, sustained significant damage from a firebomb, injuring at least one worshipper. Benjamin Klein, a board member of the synagogue, reported he received a call from a senior official in Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s office, confirming that Iran was behind these “dangerous acts of aggression.” Tehran has since denied these accusations.
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.” He noted that local authorities have increased security measures at a temporary location where the congregation is currently meeting. Despite the fear, he emphasized that the community remains resilient, saying, “We’re a bit more anxious, a bit more stressed and scared, but we don’t change our way.”
The kosher deli, Lewis’ Continental Kitchen, located in Bondi, Sydney, was also firebombed in the early hours of October 20, 2024. Alex Ryvchin from the Executive Council of Australian Jewry remarked that the owner, Judith Lewis, is still coming to terms with the news of Iranian involvement. He noted, “The acts themselves were horrific, but now to have confirmation of foreign interference is terrifying.”
In response to the attacks, the Albanese government expelled the Iranian ambassador, marking the first such action by Australia since World War II. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, dismissed the allegations, suggesting they were politically motivated in light of Australia’s position on Israel. “It looks like the action against Iran is a compensation for the criticism that the Australians had against the Zionist regime,” he stated.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, added on social media that Iran is “paying the price for the Australian people’s support for Palestine,” and criticized Albanese, echoing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s claims of the Australian Prime Minister being a “weak politician.”
Australia’s government plans to designate the Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization as soon as legislation clears parliament. Previously, it had not been classified under existing terrorism laws due to its status as a state entity. Albanese condemned the attacks, stating, “These were extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil.”
Jewish community leaders have praised the government’s swift action. Ryvchin stated, “Israel’s enemies are Australia’s enemies. That much is clear.” He highlighted the serious threat posed by the sophisticated networks behind these attacks.
The deli arson attack has led to the arrest of Wayne Dean Ogden, 41, who remains in custody ahead of a court appearance. Another suspect, Sayed Mohammed Moosawi, 32, was released on bail after pleading not guilty to charges related to the deli attack. His case is also set for court on the same date.
The Director-General of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), Mike Burgess, has indicated that further anti-Semitic attacks may be linked to these incidents, underscoring the ongoing threat the community faces.
