Antisemitic Graffiti Targets Synagogues in Halifax

WARNING: This article includes mentions and depictions of antisemitic graffiti.

Antisemitic graffiti was found on two synagogues in Halifax over the weekend.

In addition, a building linked to the Chabad-Lubavitch of the Maritimes Rohr Family Institute was defaced with the phrase “Jews did 9/11.”

Rabbi Yakov Kerzner of Beth Israel synagogue on Oxford Street expressed concern over the “disturbing” graffiti discovered on Sunday morning.

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs reported that a swastika was also found at the entrance of Shaar Shalom synagogue a few blocks away the same morning.

Kerzner stated that the vandalism at his synagogue was particularly troubling as it was believed to have occurred while congregants were present for a Saturday evening service.

He emphasized that this incident marks a concerning development for the city.

“This kind of act is unprecedented in Halifax,” he remarked. “However, this escalation is alarming for the Jewish community.”

The graffiti on Beth Israel also alluded to Jews and 9/11.

“This is pure anti-Jew hatred, it’s antisemitism,” Kerzner condemned.

Rabbi Gary Karlin of Shaar Shalom expressed deep concern over the defacement, stating that he has observed similar incidents across Canada in recent years.

“I don’t know the direction this is heading in, but I am worried about it,” he added.

Kerzner suggested a link between the vandalism and escalating local tensions and protests.

These incidents followed peaceful protests in the city against Israeli involvement in the Davis Cup tennis tournament.

Kerzner confirmed that the matter has been reported to the police and their hate crime unit.

He mentioned that cleanup efforts will commence after the police complete their on-site investigation.

Shaar Shalom synagogue had already cleaned up their exterior sign by Sunday afternoon.

Despite the vandalism, Kerzner underlined the community’s resilience.

“We are proud of our Jewish identity… this will not deter us,” he asserted. “We refuse to be intimidated.”

Noah Shack, CEO of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, stressed the importance of taking such incidents seriously due to their increasing frequency, including a violent occurrence at an Ottawa grocery store in August.

“If we ignore these acts, they will only worsen,” he warned.

“It is crucial for our leaders to unequivocally condemn this behavior and propose effective solutions to ensure community safety,” he urged.

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston denounced the antisemitic graffiti targeting synagogues in a social media post.

Halifax Regional Police chief Don MacLean issued a statement to the media on Monday regarding the incidents.

He mentioned that a hate crime investigator is looking into three instances of antisemitic graffiti on the synagogues and three more on nearby sidewalks.

Extra patrols are being conducted around synagogues and other religious buildings, MacLean added.

“Hatred will not be tolerated in Halifax Regional Municipality,” he emphasized in the statement.

“While we value free speech, spreading hate is not acceptable in our society.”