Australian authorities are investigating a series of antisemitic attacks in Melbourne, including an arson attempt on the historic East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation synagogue and an attack on an Israeli-owned restaurant. On Friday evening, around 8 p.m., a 34-year-old man from Toongabbie, New South Wales, allegedly doused the synagogue's front doors with flammable liquid and set them on fire while approximately 20 worshippers, including children, were inside attending Shabbat dinner. The congregants evacuated safely without injuries. This incident is the second synagogue arson in Melbourne within seven months. The man was arrested by Victoria's Counter Terrorism Security Investigation Unit and charged with arson. Police have not yet classified the attack as a terrorist incident. The attacks have drawn condemnation from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who described the arson as a "cowardly" act of antisemitism and called it an "attack on Australia." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also condemned the attacks, labeling them "reprehensible antisemitic attacks" and urging the Australian government to take stronger action against antisemitism. In response to the recent wave of antisemitic incidents, including the synagogue fire and violent protests targeting Jewish properties, the Victorian government announced the formation of a new Anti-Hate Taskforce. The taskforce will include senior police officials, the Police Minister, and the Lord Mayor, aiming to address and prevent hate crimes in the region. The synagogue arson and restaurant attack occurred amid pro-Palestinian protests in Melbourne, which have been linked to escalating tensions and violence against the Jewish community in Australia.