UPDATE: A second Melbourne man, Younes Ali Younes, has been charged in connection with a shocking antisemitic arson attack on the Adass Israel synagogue. He appeared in court via video link from jail earlier today, following his arrest last week. This urgent development comes as authorities allege that the attack, which occurred in December, was orchestrated by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The incident, which resulted in extensive damage to the synagogue and injuries to a worshipper, was carried out by three masked arsonists who reportedly soaked the building’s interior with a flammable liquid before igniting it. Younes, 20, is being held in custody and will face court again on December 4. The court appearance follows serious accusations by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who claims that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard is behind this and similar attacks, including one on Lewis’s Continental Kitchen, a kosher eatery in Sydney.
Authorities assert that the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) possesses “credible evidence” linking Iran to these targeted assaults. Although no direct evidence has emerged in court yet, ASIO’s Director-General Mike Burgess revealed that Iran utilizes a “complex web of proxies” to conceal its involvement in these antisemitic acts.
Younes’ co-accused, Giovanni Laulu, 21, who was arrested in July, is also facing charges for arson, reckless conduct endangering life, and car theft. Both men could face up to 15 years in prison for the arson charge alone, while the other charges carry penalties of up to 10 years each. Early in the investigation, the crime was classified as a terrorist act, significantly enhancing the resources available for the ongoing case.
In response to the attack, Benjamin Klein, a board member of the damaged synagogue, expressed horror at the implications of foreign terrorism striking a peaceful community space. “It is quite shocking and traumatic to think that a peaceful, loving shule in Melbourne is targeted and attacked by terrorists from overseas,” Klein stated. He noted that state and federal authorities have increased security measures at a temporary location where the congregation is currently gathering.
The emotional fallout extends beyond the synagogue, with Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, highlighting the fear that these attacks instill in the Jewish community. “The fact that a business is targeted makes every Jewish Australian fearful that they could be next,” Ryvchin said, reflecting the pervasive anxiety following such incidents.
While the Prime Minister continues to withhold details of how the Iranian regime allegedly directed these crimes, citing ongoing investigations, the urgency of the situation remains. Albanese stated, “It’s very clear from the advice that we received from ASIO that both the attacks on Lewis’s Continental Kitchen in Sydney and the Adass Israel Synagogue here in Melbourne arose from Iran.”
As this situation develops, the community is urged to stay vigilant. Investigators are working tirelessly to uncover the full extent of these attacks and ensure justice is served. The next court date for Younes and Laulu is set for December 4, where further details may emerge.
Stay updated as we continue to follow this urgent story.
