Two people have been injured in an early morning ‘firebomb attack’ at a synagogue in the heart of Melbourne’s Jewish community, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemning it as a violent act of anti-Semitism.

About 60 firefighters and 17 trucks were called to the massive blaze at Adass Israel synagogue at Ripponlea in Glen Eira around 4.18am on Friday. 

Religious leader Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann said ‘two thugs’ broke the synagogue’s windows, threw fuel on the floor and set it alight as people were preparing to pray early Friday morning.

Congregants were forced to flee the building, with two people suffering minor injuries.

‘It’s outrageous,’ Mr Kaltmann said.

Congregants inside the building at the time of the attack reported Molotov cocktails being thrown in, synagogue board member Benjamin Klein said.

‘They heard banging on the door, and the window and some liquids came through which were lit. The whole thing took off pretty quickly and was on fire,’ Mr Klein told Nine.

‘One member who was inside ran out and had his hand burnt. For this to happen to a synagogue thousands of kilometres away from anywhere else in the world, a peaceful neighbourhood, a peaceful community – it is quite horrendous.’

The fire was reportedly started by two men who threw Molotov cocktails into the synagogue, causing widespread damage and injuring two

Around 60 firefighters and 17 trucks were called to the scene in Ripponlea early Friday morning to contain the fire at the synagogue 

Hundreds of people were expected to begin gathering at the temple in the hour after the fire begun.

‘This synagogue is one of the busiest in Australia,’ Mr Klein told the Herald Sun.

‘This synagogue was built by Holocaust survivors and this just brings back terrible memories.’ 

The sanctuary contains many holy books and Torah scrolls, which had been destroyed.

‘To see it burnt and in ruins is quite horrendous to happen to a quiet community in Melbourne, Australia. You don’t expect such things to happen.’

Fire Rescue Victoria’s Assistant Chief Fire Officer Brayden Sinnamon said the 30m by 20m building was ‘fully involved’ in the fire and the blaze severity was escalated, with crews using breathing apparatus.

Victoria Police has launched an investigation into the attack.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has denounced the attack as a violent act of anti-Semitism aimed at creating fear in the community.

‘I have been briefed this morning by the AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw, there are two persons of interest who were there,’ he told ABC Radio Melbourne.

‘What was witnessed was them using accelerant and then spreading it with a broom, clearly designed to maximise the damage that could occur.

People inside the synagogue reported hearing banging and seeing liquids being thrown, leading to a fast-spreading fire that caused panic

The synagogue contains valuable holy books and Torah scrolls, and the community is awaiting access to assess the full extent of the damage

People inside the synagogue reported hearing banging and seeing liquids being thrown before the fire

‘It’s a terrible morning to wake up to this news, which all Australians should unequivocally condemn,’ he said. 

‘This is an outrage. The violence and intimidation and destruction of a place of worship is something that we should never see in Australia.’ 

Zionist Federation of Australia president Jeremy Leibler said the attack should condemned.

‘No one should be surprised; this violent attack is a direct consequence of words turning into actions. Jew hatred, left unchecked, endangers all Australians,’ Mr Leibler said.

‘Enough is enough, this is a stain on our nation. It’s time for all levels of government to turn their words into actions to stamp out this Jew hatred.’ 

The Australian Jewish Association said ‘antisemitism has surged’ under Anthony Albanese’s government.

‘Labor has stood by as ugly antisemitic protests have taken over our streets, week after week,’ CEO Robert Gregory said.

‘They have stood by as ‘Free Palestine’ extremists have targeted Jewish Synagogues and schools. There was an antisemitic protest outside Sydney’s Great Synagogue, just this week. 

‘Labor has stood by as extremist Islamic preachers have preached toxic antisemitism. They have stood by as Jews were assaulted in the street and our universities were taken over by anti-Jewish radicals, setting up encampments. 

‘Now is not the time for Labor MPs to use the Jewish community for a photo op. It is the time to apologise and change the disgraceful policies that have caused antisemitism to spiral in Australia.’

The firebombing took place just days after pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside The Great Synagogue in Sydney on Wednesday night, as members of the Jewish community were holed up inside.

The group shouted ‘Palestine will be free’ and held up a slogan calling for the eradication of the state of Israel. 

Sky News reported that when police arrived on the scene, the synagogue was in lockdown with those inside unable to leave.

Last month, celebrity chef Matt Moran’s Chiswick restaurant has been vandalised with anti-Israel slurs along with several cars in the Sydney suburb of Woollahra.

Multiple cars were covered in white spray paint that read ‘f**k Israel’.

Victoria Police has launched a probe into the suspicious fire, urging anyone with information or footage to come forward 

Liberal deputy leader Sussan Ley said the incident was ‘very, very concerning’, adding: ‘It makes me feel quite sick to the stomach.’

‘I feel for the Jewish community today waking up to this news.’

The train level crossing at Glen Eira Road was blocked during the incident but has since opened.

Police have asked anyone with footage of the fire or information to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.