Australia’s Jewish community has condemned the “mob action” of protesters who attacked an Israeli restaurant on the same night a synagogue was lit in Melbourne.

Police are investigating a suspicious fire at the synagogue in East Melbourne after flammable liquid was poured on the front door and set alight on Friday night.

It is understood an unknown man entered the grounds on Albert Street about 8pm before fleeing on foot in a westerly direction.

Police said there were about 20 people inside the synagogue at the time.

Everyone inside self-evacuated through the rear of the building and there have been no reports of injuries.

Firefighters attended and extinguished the fire which was contained to the front entrance.

A Jewish Synagogue in East Melbourne was the site of a separate attack. Photo: Facebook

Also that night, a group of masked protesters reportedly stormed the Miznon Restaurant in Hardware Lane, chanting “death to the IDF”.

The Herald Sun reports the group of about 20 launched chairs and food at the window as customers dined inside.

One of the restaurant’s front-facing windows was reportedly smashed with a chair.

Video footage shows screaming and yelling as furniture is hurled and tables overturned.

The Australian Jewish Democratic Society said it was a “night of fire and broken glass”.

“The AJDS utterly and totally condemns the mob action by masked people protesting against the presence of the Miznon restaurant in Melbourne,” said a Facebook post.

“Other restaurants in Hardware Lane were trashed.

“Around the same time, there was attempted arson of the historic Eastern Melbourne Synagogue not far away.

“This is an appalling act against the whole Jewish community.

“We hope all those responsible are caught and prosecuted.”

The first Miznon restaurant opened in Tel Aviv in 2011 and expanded to Paris, Vienna, Melbourne and New York.

The restaurant in Melbourne’s CBD was reportedly targeted because of its ties with the controversial aid group Gaza Humanitarian Foundation which is backed by Israel and the US.

Police said they were engaging with people from the synagogue and other representatives from the Jewish community to ensure appropriate supports were in place.

“Police are still working to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the fire including the motivation behind the incident.

“There is absolutely no place in our society for antisemitic or hate-based behaviour.”

Investigations remain ongoing.

An arson chemist will be attending the scene and police are canvassing for CCTV footage.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV, dashcam footage or any other information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au