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, stated that the act was intended to instill fear and deter people from attending. Despite the attempt to intimidate, the community displayed resilience and refused to be cowed.
The vandalism occurred at the synagogue on Wellington Crescent, which also houses a childcare center, in the early hours of Friday. Surveillance footage captured an individual wearing a hoodie near the building around 4:30 a.m. Swastikas were painted on window panes and other hateful graffiti, including the word “hate,” was sprayed on a marble facade.
Although previous incidents of antisemitic graffiti have been reported at the synagogue, Elbaze noted that this was the first time the front of the building had been targeted. She expressed feelings of sadness and shock, emphasizing a sense of not belonging in the face of such desecration.
The Winnipeg police’s Major Crimes Unit is investigating the incident after receiving a report of the graffiti on Wellington Crescent. While there haven’t been recent similar incidents in Winnipeg according to the police, Elbaze highlighted the concerning rise of antisemitism in Canada and stressed the importance of condemning and preventing such acts.
Efforts were made to remove the graffiti from the synagogue’s windows, but remnants remain on the marble, requiring additional cleaning. Despite the distressing event occurring just before Sabbath, a significant number of community members attended the day of prayer, demonstrating solidarity and determination.
Rabbi Carnie Shalom Rose commended the support shown by individuals of various faiths, underscoring the unity and strength displayed in the face of adversity. The Center for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) has been involved in addressing the situation, urging authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable for what they labeled as a “vile anti-Jewish hate crime.”
While acknowledging the need for continued efforts to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for the Jewish community, Rose emphasized the positive experiences of peace and support historically enjoyed in Canada. Despite recent global tragedies affecting Jewish communities, he highlighted the resilience and solidarity demonstrated by the congregation and its allies in times of crisis.