Third man charged over 2024 fire that gutted Ripponlea synagogue

A third man has been charged over the firebombing of Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue, with investigators declaring they have now identified all three people accused of carrying out the attack.

Police will allege he was one of three men who broke into the Ripponlea synagogue and deliberately lit the fire in 2024.

It’s alleged the trio used 100 litres of fuel to torch the building about 4.15am on December 6.

Police allege the group arrived at the site in a stolen Volkswagen and smashed their way inside using an axe.

A 20-year-old man from Airport West was charged on Friday while in custody on unrelated matters.

He has been charged with arson, conduct endangering life and theft of a motor vehicle, and is due to appear in court on Tuesday.

Arson carries a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment, while the other two offences each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment.

The latest arrest means the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team’s Operation Hilfield has now charged all three alleged offenders accused of setting the synagogue alight.

A 21-year-old Werribee man was charged in July 2025, followed by a 20-year-old Meadow Heights man in August 2025.

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A fourth man, a 20-year-old from Melton South, was charged separately over the alleged theft of a vehicle police claim was used to drive to the synagogue on the night of the attack.

AFP Assistant Commissioner Peter Crozier said investigators had remained focused on finding those responsible for what he described as a “deplorable attack” on the Jewish community.

He said detectives had continued to pursue those involved over the past 18 months.

Police are still appealing for information and allege some people have attempted to hinder the investigation by providing false information.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers or the National Security Hotline.