By Kristian Silva, ABC News
Anthony Albanese has vowed to help rebuild the Adass Israel Synagogue. (Supplied: Prime Minister's Office) Photo: Supplied: Prime Minister's Office of Australia
A man charged with firebombing a Melbourne synagogue has faced court for the first time, a day after the prime minister and ASIO officials said the incident was linked to the Iranian government.
Younes Ali Younes, 20, was charged with arson, conduct endangering life and the theft of a motor vehicle after a major police investigation into the fire at the Adass Israel Synagogue in December 2024.
The Meadow Heights man, who has been in custody since 21 August, faced the Melbourne Magistrates' Court via video link for a filing hearing.
Details of the alleged offending were not aired during the brief hearing.
A Commonwealth prosecutor said a police brief of evidence would be submitted to Ali Younes's defence lawyers by 23 October.
The police brief would include security footage, along with digital and DNA evidence, the court heard.
Ali Younes, who wore a green jumper and was beamed in from the Melbourne Remand Centre, did not apply for bail.
He is next due in court on 4 December.
Iranian links to Adass attack, authorities say
On Tuesday, Anthony Albanese and ASIO boss Mike Burgess said the Iranian government used third parties to order the Adass attack, along with an arson on Lewis' Continental Kitchen in Sydney.
People wearing flags of Israel and Australia listen to speeches at a rally in Melbourne on 6 July, 2025, after the front door of a synagogue was set ablaze. Photo: WILLIAM WEST / AFP
The Iranian ambassador and three other officials were ordered out of the country.
Police alleged Ali Younes was one of three people involved in the alleged firebombing of the synagogue in Melbourne's south-east.
A 21-year-old from Werribee has also been arrested and is due to face court in October. A third offender remained on the run, police said last week.
The fire caused widespread damage to the Ripponlea synagogue, with the incident drawing condemnation from Australian political leaders and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
At the time, witnesses recounted hearing banging on a door before a flammable liquid was thrown inside and set alight.
The estimated damage to the synagogue was AU$20 million (NZ$22m), according to charge sheets released by the court.
Synagogue members have vowed to rebuild.
- ABC News
