Police are hunting two masked suspects over the “targeted” firebombing of a Melbourne synagogue when worshippers were inside.
The arson attack on the Adass Israel synagogue at Glen Eira Avenue in Ripponlea early this morning left the Jewish community in deep shock and the place of worship heavily damaged.
In an update this morning, police said a witness spotted two masked intruders spreading accelerant around the building.

The witness left and police were alerted. Soon after the building was engulfed in flames.
Detective Inspector Chris Murray from Victoria Police’s arson and explosive squad, said investigators are studying CCTV images from the local area to identify the pair.
“Our first and foremost priority is to identify those individuals that are responsible for this.
“We believe it was deliberate, we believe it has been targeted. What we don’t know is why. We’ll get to the why.”
Murray appealed for public help to catch those responsible for the fire.
Police are appealing for public help to catch two intruders believed respnsible for the fire. (Nine)
“We’re looking for vehicles, we’re looking for those two individuals. We want some starting points.
“We know from experience that these investigations get solved through CCTV. We need the community’s help.”
One person received an injury to their hand from the fire, Murray said.
Detectives had yet to determine what type of accelerant was used to trigger the blaze. Forensic experts planned to enter the crime scene when it is made safe.
Murray also said he wanted to reassure the Jewish community police would be stepping up patrols to keep them safe.
”We’re going to do our best to make sure that they can return as they should to their local synagogues and do what is absolutely Australian – that is to be able to worship without fear.”
Yumi Friedman told The Age he was inside the synagogue with one other person about 4.15am when he heard a big bang like a sledgehammer.
He ran to his fish shop nearby, where his staff member called the police, he said.
He then returned to the synagogue and found a small fire before the entire building was engulfed.
“So I thought maybe I’ll be able to open the doors and go inside, but when I touch the door, I burnt my hand,” Friedman said.
