A group of pro-Palestine protesters have terrorised shocked diners by storming a restaurant in Melbourne‘s CBD – as an arsonist targeted a nearby synagogue.
The chaotic scenes unfolded at the Israeli-owned Miznon eatery on Hardware Lane, where up to 20 protesters hurled chairs, food, and glassware at the venue while chanting ‘Death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)’.
Footage shared online showed the breakaway group throwing traffic bollards by passing cars and yelling expletives on their way to the restaurant after a separate protest involving 80 attendees in nearby Swanston Street.
When the masked protesters arrived at Miznon, diners can be heard screaming as furniture and tables are overturned.
Protesters were then seen clashing with police after dozens of officers arrived on the scene.
One protester was arrested for hindering police and released on summons.
‘Several other protesters were spoken to by police and had their identities clarified for the purpose of follow-up investigation,’ a spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia.
‘Victoria Police continued to support the rights of Victorians to protest peacefully but will not tolerate the kind of anti-social and violent behaviour that was witnessed this evening.’
A bollard was thrown by pro-Palestine protesters, who clashed with a group outside the venue
A group of masked young people were seen facing off against anti-Israel protestors
The chaotic scenes shocked diners.
Other restaurants in Hardware Lane were also damaged.
‘Then they started getting aggressive, throwing tomatoes, chairs, and glasses. They caused lots of damage to the businesses down here,’ a diner told the Herald Sun.
Just half an hour earlier, a synagogue in East Melbourne was set on fire, which police are treating as suspicious.
A man entered the synagogue grounds on Albert Street about 8pm, poured a flammable liquid on the front door, and ignited it before fleeing on foot.
About 20 people were inside the synagogue at the time.
No injuries were reported. Firefighters quickly contained the fire, which prevented further damage.
Police are working with synagogue members and Jewish community representatives to provide support following the distressing attack.
Up to 20 protesters stormed Miznon, causing damage and chanting ‘Death to the IDF’
Police were seen making an arrest as tensions boiled over outside Miznon
An arson specialist has been called in to determine the cause, and police are reviewing CCTV as part of their ongoing investigations.
Victoria Police stressed that anti-Semitic and hate-based behaviour would not be tolerated and that both incidents are being treated with the utmost seriousness.
The Australian Jewish Democratic Society condemned both incidents.
‘The AJDS utterly and totally condemns the mob action by masked people protesting against the presence of the Miznon restaurant in Melbourne,’ it posted online late Friday night.
‘Around the same time, there was an attempted arson of the historic Eastern Melbourne Synagogue not far away by masked people. This is an appalling act against the whole Jewish community
‘We hope all those responsible are caught and prosecuted.’
Police urge anyone with information, footage or CCTV of either incident to come forward.
