This article is from the source 'rtcom' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.rt.com/news/534139-australia-synagogue-police-jewish/

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Melbourne police surround synagogue as 100 worshippers reportedly breach Covid curbs to mark Jewish New Year Melbourne police surround synagogue as 100 worshippers reportedly breach Covid curbs to mark Jewish New Year
(about 1 month later)
Australian police are stationed outside a synagogue after a group of Jewish worshippers reportedly breached Covid restrictions to take part in Rosh Hashanah, marking the Jewish New Year.Australian police are stationed outside a synagogue after a group of Jewish worshippers reportedly breached Covid restrictions to take part in Rosh Hashanah, marking the Jewish New Year.
In scenes resembling a bank robbery or hostage situation, Melbourne police surrounded the Ripponlea synagogue in the early hours of Tuesday morning, waiting for Jewish worshippers to exit the building.In scenes resembling a bank robbery or hostage situation, Melbourne police surrounded the Ripponlea synagogue in the early hours of Tuesday morning, waiting for Jewish worshippers to exit the building.
More than 100 people were reportedly marking the Jewish New Year, known as Rosh Hashanah, in the synagogue in Melbourne’s southeast, according to Australian daily The Age.More than 100 people were reportedly marking the Jewish New Year, known as Rosh Hashanah, in the synagogue in Melbourne’s southeast, according to Australian daily The Age.
Police refused to comment on the ongoing situation, while staff from the Department of Health joined them surrounding the place of worship.Police refused to comment on the ongoing situation, while staff from the Department of Health joined them surrounding the place of worship.
The alleged gathering is in breach of the state of Victoria’s lockdown measures, which have been imposed since August 5. Private and public gatherings are not permitted under the strict state rules, which also apply to religious gatherings and require places of worship to remain closed. Those in breach may face large fines.The alleged gathering is in breach of the state of Victoria’s lockdown measures, which have been imposed since August 5. Private and public gatherings are not permitted under the strict state rules, which also apply to religious gatherings and require places of worship to remain closed. Those in breach may face large fines.
Videos emerged on Tuesday of media confronting worshippers who finally exited the synagogue. Videos emerged on Tuesday of media confronting worshippers who finally exited the synagogue. 
Other footage depicted dozens of other Orthodox Jews singing in a neighbouring alley, seemingly in support of those inside.  Other footage depicted dozens of other Orthodox Jews singing in a neighbouring alley, seemingly in support of those inside.  
Victorian premier Daniel Andrews condemned the gathering. “We’ve all got to be safe in everything we do, regardless of what might motivate us,” Andrews said. Victorian premier Daniel Andrews condemned the gathering. “We’ve all got to be safe in everything we do, regardless of what might motivate us,” Andrews said. 
The premier said he was grateful for the members of the Jewish community who had been quick in the past to call out breeches of his tough Covid mandates.The premier said he was grateful for the members of the Jewish community who had been quick in the past to call out breeches of his tough Covid mandates.
Labour member Josh Burns, whose seat represents the suburb where the synagogue is located, said there’s “nothing pious about ignoring the health rules and putting lives at risk.”Labour member Josh Burns, whose seat represents the suburb where the synagogue is located, said there’s “nothing pious about ignoring the health rules and putting lives at risk.”
The Victorian premier’s strict lockdown measures have come under scrutiny this month. Last week, the Age released an editorial. “Enough,” said The Age, criticizing the tough restrictions and lack of hope provided by premier Andrews.The editorial caused a huge regional outrage in Victoria, dividing supporters and opponents of the region’s lockdown restrictions.The Victorian premier’s strict lockdown measures have come under scrutiny this month. Last week, the Age released an editorial. “Enough,” said The Age, criticizing the tough restrictions and lack of hope provided by premier Andrews.The editorial caused a huge regional outrage in Victoria, dividing supporters and opponents of the region’s lockdown restrictions.
Victoria is approaching the 250-day mark of lockdowns since the pandemic began.Victoria is approaching the 250-day mark of lockdowns since the pandemic began.
Like this story? Share it with a friend!Like this story? Share it with a friend!
Dear readers and commenters,
We have implemented a new engine for our comment section. We hope the transition goes smoothly for all of you. Unfortunately, the comments made before the change have been lost due to a technical problem. We are working on restoring them, and hoping to see you fill up the comment section with new ones. You should still be able to log in to comment using your social-media profiles, but if you signed up under an RT profile before, you are invited to create a new profile with the new commenting system.
Sorry for the inconvenience, and looking forward to your future comments,
RT Team.