A Jewish community in Winnipeg united for Sabbath following an incident where their synagogue was defaced with antisemitic symbols, notably swastikas. Rena Secter Elbaze, the executive director of Congregation Shaarey Zedek, expressed that the act aimed to intimidate but emphasized the community’s resilience in the face of such attempts.
The vandalism occurred at the synagogue on Wellington Crescent, which also houses a childcare center. Surveillance footage captured an individual in a hooded sweatshirt near the building around 4:30 a.m. Swastikas were painted on window panes in the wooden doorway, accompanied by other antisemitic graffiti, including the word “hate” on a marble exterior.
While previous incidents of antisemitic graffiti had targeted peripheral areas of the synagogue, this was the first time the front entrance was defaced. Elbaze condemned the act as disrespectful and damaging, expressing feelings of sadness and shock at being made to feel unwelcome in their own community.
The Winnipeg police’s Major Crimes Unit is investigating the incident after receiving a report of the graffiti. Elbaze highlighted a concerning trend of rising antisemitism in Canada, emphasizing the need to address and prevent such acts, even if they are isolated incidents.
Despite the distress caused by the vandalism, the community came together for Sabbath, demonstrating solidarity and defiance against hate. Rabbi Carnie Shalom Rose noted the overwhelming support from individuals outside the congregation, including representatives from various faiths, reinforcing the message of unity in the face of adversity.
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) has been in contact with the synagogue, notifying them that governmental authorities are aware of the situation. CIJA denounced the graffiti as a despicable anti-Jewish hate crime and urged for accountability from those responsible.
While acknowledging recent tragic events elsewhere, such as the Sydney shooting during Hanukkah, Rabbi Rose emphasized the positive experiences of acceptance and support that the Jewish community has generally encountered in Canada. He stressed the importance of standing together against hate and fostering a safe and inclusive society for all.