‘Incredibly traumatic’: Jewish leaders respond to Melbourne’s suspicious synagogue fire

Jewish Community Council of Victoria Chief Executive Officer Naomi Levin has condemned the suspicious fire that destroyed Addas Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea, Melbourne. “It’s incredibly traumatic what’s been happening, not just for the people of this synagogue but for the broader Jewish community,” Ms Levin said on Friday. “This synagogue is incredibly significant; it belongs to our ultra-orthodox community. “They are among the most devout of our community and this synagogue would be one of the busiest in our communities. “This is the centre of the Addas community life, so it is particularly jarring that it has happened here.”