Chabad in Melboure Hosts Adass Shul After Arson Attack

Early Friday morning in Australia, two suspects broke into the famous Adass Shul in Melbourne, poured gasoline, and set it on fire. The Yeshiva Center opened its mikveh and the Yeshiva Ketana building to host minyanim while authorities investigate the scene.

By YWN and Anash.org

A suspected arson attack at the renowned Adass Shul has left the Jewish community in shock. At approximately 4:10 a.m. local time, two individuals smashed windows, entered the Shul, and poured gasoline before setting it on fire. The shul, one of the most famous in Australia, is a central hub for the Orthodox Jewish community.

Two people learning inside the shul at the time witnessed the incident but were unharmed. Emergency services responded quickly, with more than 60 firefighters from Fire Rescue Victoria managing to control the blaze within half an hour. However, the building and surrounding streets remain closed due to ongoing investigations. 

Baruch Hashem, no major injuries have been reported, although two people may have suffered slight burns. The status of the Sifrei Torah remains unclear. The shul features a fireproof aron kodesh in its main shul, providing hope that the Sifrei Torah were spared significant damage.

In the meantime, the Yeshiva Center opened its mikveh, and a nearby Yeshiva Ketana building hosted minyanim. Despite the disruption, the community is rallying to maintain their Minyan schedules. 

Adass Shul, which typically hosts minyanim every 30 minutes from Netz until mid-morning, serves hundreds of Mispallelim daily. The incident has led to significant traffic disruptions, including the closure of Glen Eira Road and the suspension of train services at the nearby level crossing.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer with Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) Brayden Sinnamon told ABC Radio Melbourne “FRV crews worked tirelessly to bring it under control and approximately 17 appliances and 60 firefighters were on scene.”

“Damage to the building is quite a lot, however, crews worked amazingly to contain the fire so that no further damage was done to the extensions or other neighboring buildings,” he said.

Authorities are investigating the attack, treating it as suspicious due to reports of two masked individuals seen at the scene and indications of petrol being used. The police are seeking information from the public, urging anyone with footage or details to contact CrimeStoppers.

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