Authorities have charged a third individual in connection with the December 2024 firebombing of Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, as investigations continue into the attack reportedly linked to the Iranian regime. The incident occurred in the early hours of December 6 at the Ripponlea synagogue, forcing worshippers attending morning prayers to evacuate the premises.
On June 26, Victoria Police and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) charged a 20-year-old man from Airport West with arson, conduct endangering life, and theft of a motor vehicle. He was already in custody on unrelated charges and was expected to appear in court on Tuesday. This comes after two other men—20-year-old Younes Ali Younes from Meadow Heights and 21-year-old Giovanni Laulu from Werribee—were charged last year with the same offences and are currently contesting their charges. Additionally, a fourth man, aged 20 and from Melton South, faces charges related to stealing a communal vehicle used to facilitate the attack.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Peter Crozier described the investigation as “highly complex” and confirmed that detectives are pursuing additional leads, including those involving offshore connections. He indicated some community members had deliberately misled authorities and urged anyone with relevant information to come forward, emphasizing there would be no tolerance for obstructing justice.
The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) publicly attributed the synagogue firebombing to Iranian state actors in August, linking it to a broader pattern of politically motivated attacks against Jewish targets in Australia. These include a firebombing and graffiti attack in January against the former Sydney residence of Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, and an arson incident at Sydney’s Lewis’ Continental Kitchen in October 2024. ASIO continues to investigate the extent of Iran’s involvement in these events.
Crozier stressed the international nature of the investigation and confirmed ongoing cooperation with foreign intelligence and law enforcement partners. He acknowledged the profound fear and unease the attack has caused within the community and expressed gratitude for their endurance throughout the inquiry. More than 200 personnel from the AFP and Victoria Police have been dedicated to the probe.
Victoria Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul O’Halloran confirmed the synagogue community had been notified of the latest arrest. He expressed sympathy for those affected and highlighted efforts by police and security agencies to reassure the community by actively pursuing those responsible.
In response to ASIO’s findings implicating Iran, the Australian government halted diplomatic relations with Tehran, expelling the Iranian ambassador and three other officials and suspending operations at the Australian embassy in Iran.
Reconstruction plans for the heavily damaged synagogue estimate costs between AUD 25 million and 40 million. The rebuilding process will include advanced security measures such as surveillance cameras, bollards, and security personnel to deter future attacks. The community also envisions expanding the facility to incorporate a multifunctional centre, a playground, a women’s mental health facility, and a library. To date, fundraising efforts have secured more than AUD 2 million toward these aims. Donations can be made through www.charidy.com/rebuildadass.