Alleged arsonist charged over fire at Australian synagogue

A man has been charged over an arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue in an apparent escalation in antisemitic violence in Australia’s second-most populous city. Angelo Loras appeared in a Melbourne court Sunday charged with arson, endangering life and property damage. The Sydney resident did not enter a plea or apply to be released on bail. Flammable liquid was ignited at the door of the East Melbourne Synagogue Friday night as worshippers shared a Shabbat meal. The congregation escaped without harm and firefighters contained the blaze. It was the first of three displays of antisemitic violence across the city Friday and early Saturday morning.