Early Saturday, members of the Congregation Emanu-El synagogue in Victoria found hateful graffiti on a pillar at the entrance. The disturbing message targeted the Jewish community and referenced the Israel-Palestine conflict.
The graffiti read, “Jews are evil! Because genocide is evil!” and ended with, “Palestinians will get their revenge against you child-killing Jew monsters.” The offensive message has since been painted over.
Rabbi Harry Brechner, leader of the synagogue, spoke out about the incident. He said the vandalism was not a constructive way to address the Israel-Palestine conflict. “If this person wanted to do something for the Palestine/Israel conflict, there are things one can do. This is not it,” he said.
The Congregation Emanu-El synagogue in Victoria is notable as the oldest synagogue building in Canada still used by the same congregation. The attack shocked the local community and beyond.
Ezra Shanken, a representative from the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver, described the graffiti as another example of rising antisemitism in Canada. He stressed the importance of community action against hate. “How we as Canadians respond to moments like this and push back against extremism is how we are going to find safety for not just the Jewish community, but so many communities across Canada,” Shanken said.
B.C.’s Public Safety Minister, Nina Krieger, addressed the incident on social media. She condemned the hateful act and confirmed that police have launched an active investigation. “Hate has no place in this province,” Krieger wrote.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about hate crimes and antisemitism in Canada. Law enforcement authorities continue to investigate and work to prevent such acts.
