(AP) – A rabbi in Melbourne says his 13-year-old son’s hesitation to answer the door may have prevented a tragedy during an arson attack on a historic synagogue Friday night, as 20 worshippers gathered inside for a Shabbat meal.

Rabbi Dovid Gutnick of the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation said his son was monitoring the security camera system when a man rang the synagogue’s doorbell twice. The boy chose not to answer after noticing something suspicious on the screen — a decision Gutnick believes saved lives.

“By the time I got to the front, there was already smoke and flames coming in under the door,” Gutnick told The Associated Press.

Authorities say flammable liquid was ignited at the entrance of the 148-year-old synagogue just moments after the bell was rung. Worshippers, including Gutnick’s family, escaped through a rear door. Firefighters quickly contained the blaze to the front of the building.

On Saturday, police arrested 34-year-old Angelo Loras, a resident of Sydney. He has been charged with arson, endangering life, property damage, and possession of a controlled weapon. He was denied bail and is scheduled to appear in court again on July 22.
The arson was one of three antisemitic incidents reported across Melbourne that night, including a pro-Palestinian mob attacking an Israeli-owned restaurant and another business that was graffitied and had vehicles torched..

“This wasn’t just an attack on bricks and mortar,” Gutnick said. “It was an attack on a peaceful gathering, on people celebrating their faith.”

Despite the scare, the rabbi says the community is resilient: “This synagogue has stood for nearly 150 years. We’re still standing, and we won’t live in fear.”