Jerusalem [Israel], December 8: Jewish community members are gathering in solidarity following the firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue as the incident continues to fuel political division.
More than a thousand community members were expected to meet at an undisclosed location in Ripponlea to "stand against hate" on Sunday.
The rally will finish with flowers being laid at the synagogue.
"This rally is a moment to unite, reflect and reaffirm our shared commitment to resilience and togetherness in our community," organisers J-United said.
Cabinet minister Murray Watt described Friday's attack as an "absolutely horrific anti-Semitic attack" before alleging Opposition Leader Peter Dutton had politicised the incident.
Mr Watt also refuted Mr Dutton's claims that the government had made Australia less safe for Jewish people and that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had not done enough to address anti-Semitism.
The political debate was largely ignited by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who on Saturday condemned the synagogue attack and linked it to Australia's decision to support a non-binding UN General Assembly resolution.
Australia is one of 157 countries, including the UK, Canada and New Zealand urging Israel to end its presence in Palestine.
The Australian Palestine Advocacy Network says any attack on a place of worship is an unacceptable act of hate but has accused Mr Netanyahu of deliberately sow division.
Although not part of the Adass Israel congregation, Caulfield resident Hallely Kimchi said it was time for more to be done to protect Jewish people.
"It is not about Israel. It's about Jews in Melbourne - forget about Israel at the moment," she said as the rally was getting under way.
"There are people that have been abused and have never been to Israel.
"Jews living in Melbourne should feel safe and proud to do whatever they want and to work without being doxxed or boycotted."
The synagogue remains closed to the public after it was set alight by two masked men in what police have described as a targeted attack.
Two of its three buildings were gutted and two congregants who were inside at the time preparing for morning prayers were evacuated, one suffering minor injuries.
Source: Fijian Broadcasting Corporation
