The arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, which occurred last week, has been classified as a terrorist incident by Australian law enforcement authorities. This classification has significant implications for the investigation, as it allows for the allocation of additional resources, information, and legal powers to pursue the suspects involved.The attack has been described as politically motivated, with witnesses reporting seeing two masked men spreading a liquid accelerant in the synagogue before the fire. Although the police have not yet revealed the identity of the suspects, they have made "significant progress" in the investigation. The involvement of the Joint Counter-Terrorism Team, which includes Victoria state Police, Australian Federal Police, and the Australian Security Intelligence Organization, marks a crucial turning point in the investigation.The attack is notable as it is the first declared terrorist incident in Australia since April, when a 16-year-old boy allegedly stabbed a bishop and priest in a Sydney Assyrian church during an online service. The classification as a terrorist act also means that the perpetrators could potentially face longer prison sentences if charged with terrorism offenses.In response to the attack, the Australian Federal Police have announced the formation of Special Operation Avalite, a squad of counter-terrorism investigators focused on threats, violence, and hatred towards the Jewish community and parliamentarians. This initiative aims to address the escalation in targeted attacks, which has been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.The Victoria government has offered AU$100,000 to help repair the synagogue and has increased police presence in the area. Additionally, the federal government has provided AU$32.5 million to enhance security at Jewish community sites, including synagogues and schools.
