Australia arrests suspect in Sydney synagogue arson; authorities investigate foreign links

Man, 33, arrested on suspicion of attempting to set fire to synagogue on January 11 in western Sydney suburb; BBC reports Australian authorities investigating whether foreign entities, potentially Iran, behind recent surge in attacks

Authorities in Australia announced the arrest of Edward Moule, 33, suspected of vandalizing and attempting to set fire to a synagogue in Sydney earlier this month. The arrest comes as police in southeastern New South Wales intensify efforts to combat a surge in hate crimes targeting Jewish individuals and institutions.
Moule, who was not previously known to law enforcement, was apprehended by detectives from a special police task force established to address the rise in antisemitic offenses across the region. He was first taken to a hospital under police guard before being transferred to a station for questioning.
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צלבי הקרס שהתגלו בשבת על בית הכנסת
צלבי הקרס שהתגלו בשבת על בית הכנסת
Swastikas discovered on the synagogue that the suspect tried to set on fire
(Photo: Social media)
Police allege Moule attempted to set fire to the synagogue in Newtown, an inner-western suburb of Sydney, on January 11. He faces charges of property destruction by fire and possession of suspected stolen goods. Bail was denied.
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During the investigation, authorities uncovered several items at Moule’s residence, which have been sent for further analysis. Surveillance footage reportedly captured two individuals spraying graffiti on the synagogue’s fence and building before attempting to ignite the structure. Police Commissioner Karen Webb stated in a press briefing that efforts are ongoing to locate a second suspect involved in the incident.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns also commented on the arrest, pledging an unwavering fight against "rampant antisemitism and community violence."
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נסיון ההצתה בבית הכנסת בסידני, כפי שתועד ממצלמות אבטחה
נסיון ההצתה בבית הכנסת בסידני, כפי שתועד ממצלמות אבטחה
The arson attempt at the synagogue in Sydney as documented by security cameras
(Photo: New South Wales Police Force)
The special task force has arrested at least nine individuals in connection with four hate crimes targeting the Jewish community. However, hate-related incidents persist, with the latest occurring over the weekend when an unidentified person set fire to an empty childcare center at night.
The BBC reported that Australian authorities are investigating whether foreign entities, potentially Iran, are behind the recent attacks. Iran has previously been implicated in hiring operatives to target Jews and Israelis in Europe.
A report published late last year by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry recorded over 2,000 anti-Semitic incidents in the 12 months ending September 30, 2024—a staggering 316% increase compared to the same period the previous year.
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