A third man has been charged over an alleged arson attack on Melbourne's Adass Israel Synagogue, with counter-terrorism investigators now alleging the 2024 blaze was a politically motivated crime.
The 20-year-old man from the Moonee Valley suburb of Airport West was charged on Friday at a remand centre where he is already in custody on unrelated matters. He is expected to appear in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.
He faces charges of arson, conduct endangering life, and theft of a motor vehicle, with the offence of arson carrying a maximum penalty of up to 15 years in jail if convicted.
Victoria's Joint Counter Terrorism Team, known as Operation Hilfield, comprising the AFP, Victoria Police and ASIO, alleges he was one of three people who broke into the Ripponlea synagogue and deliberately lit the fire in December 2024.
All three alleged offenders accused of directly setting the fire have now been charged and are before the courts. A fourth man has previously been charged over the alleged theft of a car used to drive to the synagogue.
Victoria Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul O'Halloran said the attack had remained a priority for investigators.
"People deserve to feel safe and be safe in their community," he said. "There is no place for instances such as this in our community. While over 18 months have passed since the fire, we have remained firmly focused on ensuring those who bring harm to our community are put before the court."
He said antisemitic attacks of any kind would be fully investigated. "It doesn't matter what role someone may play — if you are involved, police and our partner agencies will do everything we can to hold you to account."
AFP Assistant Commissioner Peter Crozier said the attack created fear and unease across the community. "Today, the Victoria JCTT is able to confirm that we have identified and charged those we allege attended the synagogue and carried out this deplorable attack," he said.
He said investigators believed some individuals had deliberately lied in an attempt to hinder the investigation. "You will not obstruct justice. Now is the time to come forward and do the right thing."
The investigation remains active, with police again urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.
