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2w ago

Police Release Suspect Photo in Antisemitic Vandalism of Victoria’s Oldest Synagogue

Following the swift removal of slurs at Congregation Emanu-El, the probe highlights intensifying demands for better security at Jewish sites.

Toronto's Adath Israel Synagogue, Thursday December 14, 2023.
The Congregation Emanu-El Synagogue in Victoria was defaced on Saturday, police say.

Overview

  • Victoria police released a photo of a person of interest from the early-morning August 2 incident and asked the public to contact them with any information.
  • The graffiti scrawled on the 162-year-old synagogue included threats of “revenge” and antisemitic slurs accusing the Jewish community of being “evil and baby killers.”
  • City crews cleaned the hateful messages within days, while officers documented evidence and opened an active mischief investigation.
  • Premier David Eby, MLA Nina Krieger and Mayor Marianne Alto condemned the attack as a hate crime and affirmed full support for the Jewish community.
  • The defacement is part of a broader uptick in antisemitic incidents since October 2023, fueling calls for tougher hate-crime laws and enhanced protection of religious sites.