An East Melbourne church has offered to contribute to the repairs of a neighbouring synagogue targeted in an antisemitic attack last week.

The synagogue was set alight while worshippers were still inside, the second act of arson against a Jewish place of worship in Melbourne in eight months.

St Peter’s Eastern Hill wanted to offer the congregation whatever practical support it could give them in the aftermath of the attack.

Vicar Father Michael Bowie said in addition to prayer and solidarity St Peter’s suggested to the synagogue it would contribute to the restoration of fire damaged doors if the Hebrew congregation wished to repair it.

“The synagogue is still debating whether to restore the doors, but [Rabbi] Dovid  contacted me yesterday to ask if we could host the Shabbat meal this Friday as they’d had a large response from their community and couldn’t accommodate all who wanted to attend,” Father Bowie said.

“We were naturally keen to welcome them: our hall is big enough and our kitchen will be rendered kosher tomorrow afternoon.”

Earlier today, Melbourne Anglican bishops Paul Barker and Philip Huggins were among the leaders from an array of faiths that attended a gathering in support of the synagogue community.

Bishop Barker said it was important for leaders across different religions to make a stand against violence and hatred on the grounds of faith.

“We recognise there are differences in our faiths, but there is no place for violence,” he said.

The Australian Jewish News reported that Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council community liaison Rabbi Ralph Genende emphasised at the gathering that while Jews maintained connections to Israel they should not be held responsible for its actions.

Declaring the Australian Anglican Church’s abhorrence at the recent attack, acting Primate Garry Weatherill said there was confusion in some public discussions about the difference between criticism of the actions of Israel and antisemitism.

“While outrage at the way Israel is treating hundreds of thousands of Palestinians may be justified, antisemitic violence against ordinary, faithful Jewish worshippers is always wrong and can only lead to increased violence,” Bishop Weatherill said in a statement.

Father Bowie said Rabbi Dovid had invited him, St Peter’s curate Mother Cara Greenham Hancock, parish administrator Eugene Chin and sacristan Naomi Johnson to share in the meal with the synagogue community.

“They are our neighbours (our Lord’s answer to the question ‘who is my neighbour’ springs to mind) and we value our shared heritage of faith, as well as enjoying each other’s company,” he said.