Victoria police are looking into an incident involving antisemitic graffiti discovered at Congregation Emanu-El Synagogue, causing shock among the congregation, as reported by Rabbi Harry Brechner. The synagogue, situated at the intersection of Blanshard and Pandora in downtown Victoria since 1863, was targeted with hateful messages, including accusations of evil and baby killing.
Photos shared on social media displayed the graffiti written in black capital letters near one of the synagogue’s entrances. Rabbi Brechner described the message as filled with hate and threats of revenge, indicating a severe level of hostility. Police were informed of the incident on Saturday when a congregant noticed the graffiti during a busy day at the synagogue, which included worship services and a bar mitzvah celebration.
Authorities responded promptly, documenting the graffiti and collaborating with the City of Victoria to remove it. They are now seeking information from the public to aid in their investigation. The incident has garnered condemnation from various political figures, including Mayor Marianne Alto, Public Safety Minister Nina Kreiger, and Premier David Eby, who expressed their disappointment and denounced the antisemitic act.
Despite a rise in antisemitic incidents across Canada, Rabbi Brechner highlighted that Victoria had previously been relatively peaceful, making this incident particularly alarming. He emphasized that the community had maintained respectful interactions, even during disagreements, emphasizing the severity of this act of vandalism. The incident is perceived as an individual’s misguided and hateful action, disrupting the harmony that previously existed between different groups in the region.