Melbourne synagogue firebombing: Sharri Markson blasts Anthony Albanese over anti-Semitism in moving speech

Jewish leader and Sky News presenter Sharri Markson broke down live on TV as she denounced Anthony Albanese’s lack of leadership on anti-Semitism following firebombing in a synagogue.

The renowned journalist was reporting from the scene of a shocking arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea, in Melbourne’s south-east.

Emergency services rushed to the “suspicious” fire at 4am but it was too late to save the Jewish place of worship. One person was treated for burns.

“It is impossible to overstate how devastating (and) heartbreaking this is for the entire Jewish community today across the country and, in fact, around the world,” Markson said.

“A synagogue, a Jewish place of worship, was burned down – was set on fire – in Australia in 2024. Just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes. How can Jews in our country not be safe going to a synagogue? It’s not Australian.

Markson dumped Mr Albanese’s response to the fire in which he said anti-Semitism had existed for many years.

“I can’t tell you how angry I am, really angry, to hear him say at this time that anti-Semitism has existed for a long time because that amounts to abdicating his leadership on this issue,” he said. -she declared as her voice cracked.

“Okay, anti-Semitism has been around for thousands and thousands of years, but not in Australia. Not in my lifetime. This is an unprecedented rise in anti-Semitism in Australia since October 7, 2023.

“It’s on his watch, it’s his responsibility to show leadership on this. He has said the bare minimum on this issue over the past year. He has not shown leadership or strength and that is why we find ourselves in this situation right now where a synagogue is being burned down.

“Anti-Semitism has been tolerated and condoned in Australia over the past 14 months. »

Markson said the Prime Minister needed to show leadership now more than ever.

“When no action is taken, one thing leads to another and we can see how a synagogue was then burned down,” she said.

“We have not seen political leadership from the Prime Minister on this issue.

“Everyone has the right to have their own views on the Middle East, on Israel, on Netanyahu, but they have no right to target the Jewish community here in Australia or anywhere else.

“The Jewish community is calling for leadership on this issue. We couldn’t have asked for more.

“Anthony Albanese, the federal government and law enforcement simply have not done enough.

“I can’t tell you how heartbroken I am and I’m really afraid that this will continue to get worse unless really strong action is taken, unless the message is sent that this will not be tolerated.”