SYDNEY — Australian police have charged a 34-year-old Sydney man over an alleged arson attack on the historic East Melbourne Synagogue, which was set ablaze during Sabbath dinner on Friday night while 20 worshippers were inside.

All inside escaped unhurt as firefighters quickly contained the blaze. Police say the suspect poured a flammable liquid on the synagogue’s front door and set it alight before fleeing. He was arrested late Saturday by counterterrorism detectives and faces charges including criminal damage by fire. He is due in court Sunday.

Authorities are also probing links between the synagogue fire and a disturbance the same night at an Israeli restaurant in Melbourne that was heavily damaged.

The incident comes amid a rise in antisemitic attacks in Australia since the Israel-Gaza war began in October 2023.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the attack, calling it “vile,” and urged it be the last of its kind. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the act “shocking” and vowed full support to bring those responsible to justice.

Australian Jewish leaders say homes, schools, synagogues and vehicles have faced arson and vandalism in recent months, including a March plot to bomb a Sydney synagogue that police foiled.