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The AFP will lead Special Operation Avalite into anti-semitism after Friday’s arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told journalists in Canberra today that 21 experienced federal police and analysts will investigate anti-semitism cases nationally, drawing on specialists from ASIO.
Special Operation Avalite will work with all state and territory police forces.
AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw acknowledged the referral of the synagogue attack to the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team, which unlocks the powers and capabilities of the AFP, ASIO and Victoria Police.
“For many months, the AFP has been discussing how we can better support our state and territory partners to investigate hate crimes or threats against vulnerable communities,” Commissioner Kershaw said.
“Unfortunately, in Australia today, those of Jewish ethnicity or religion are being targeted because of who they are.”
He highlighted the attack on Friday as well as an attack on local MP Josh Burns’s office and cars set alight in eastern Sydney as examples of hate crimes.
“This is a crime. This needs to stop,” he said.
ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess says the national terrorism threat level remains at probable.
“When I raised the threat level earlier this year, I noted there was a greater than 50 per cent chance of a terrorist attack in the next 12 months,” he says.
“This appalling incident appears to embody the ugly dynamics that ASIO has been warning about. Politically motivated violence is now one of ASIO’s and this country’s principal security concerns.”
VICTORIA
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan Friday announced the government would give $100,000 to rebuild the synagogue in Ripponlea.
“My officials will be working with Adass Israel to help facilitate any temporary relocations that are required to keep it running,” she said.
Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt also announced almost $1 million in Jewish community security infrastructure grants. Recipients include Yeshivah shule in St Kilda East, St Kilda shule, South Caulfield shule and a dozen other organisations.
Victoria Police also increased their presence on the streets and via patrols.
- The public can continue to report to the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.
