Montreal Synagogue Vandalized With Swastika Graffiti

A major synagogue in Montreal was vandalized with swastika graffiti on January 13.

The synagogue, Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, had multiple swastikas spray-painted on its front doors; a 28-year-old man was arrested in connection to the matter. The suspect is also alleged to have brought a cannister of gasoline to the synagogue; a security guard caught the man before he could use it.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the graffiti as “despicable” and “vile” in a tweet. “We must always denounce antisemitic hate, no matter when or where it arises,” he wrote.

This is despicable. I condemn this vile act in the strongest terms possible and stand united with Congregation @ShaarHashomayim, Rabbi @AdamScheier, and Jewish Canadians across the country. We must always denounce antisemitic hate, no matter when or where it arises. https://t.co/lD8LaPNaz9

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 14, 2021

B’nai Brith Canada CEO Michael Mostyn called the vandalism “another jarring reminder of the constant need for vigilance in protecting our Jewish communal institutions.”

Friends of the Simon Wiesenthal Center President and CEO Michael Levitt similarly said in a statement, “As the presence of online antisemitism and extremism increases, we continue to see that turning into real-life hate and violence. We are calling on community members to remain vigilant and government and law enforcement to take the necessary action to protect the Jewish community from such attacks.”

Rabbi Reuben Poupko, co-chair of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs-Quebec (CIJA-Qc), also said in a statement that the vandalism “targets the entire [Jewish] community and all those who embrace civility and tolerance.”

“Coming in the wake other violent antisemitic attacks, it is yet another reminder of the dangerous role social media continues to play in the spreading of hate and the provocation of violence,” he added. “The Jewish community calls on government and social media to redouble their efforts to monitor and halt this propagation of antisemitism and bigotry. We are grateful to the synagogue security and the police for their rapid response.”

A statement from @FederationCJA and CIJA will follow shortly.

“The Jewish community is outraged by today’s vile assault on Congregation Shaar Hashomayim in Westmount. This attack targets the entire community and all those who embrace civility and tolerance.” pic.twitter.com/FT4b0ushiV

— CIJA (@CIJAinfo) January 13, 2021

“Coming in the wake other violent antisemitic attacks, it is yet another reminder of the dangerous role social media continues to play in the spreading of hate and the provocation of violence.”

— CIJA (@CIJAinfo) January 13, 2021

“The Jewish community calls on government and social media to redouble their efforts to monitor and halt this propagation of antisemitism and bigotry. We are grateful to the synagogue security and the police for their rapid response.” – Rabbi Reuben Poupko, Co-Chair, CIJA-Qc

— CIJA (@CIJAinfo) January 13, 2021

Jewish groups in the United States expressed their solidarity with the Canadian Jewish community.

“This deeply disturbing act of Jew-hatred must be condemned by all,” the American Jewish Committee tweeted.

AJC stands in solidarity with the Canadian Jewish community following the egregious antisemitic attack against Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, a major Montreal synagogue.

This deeply disturbing act of Jew-hatred must be condemned by all.https://t.co/Bf6CX67Zd5

— American Jewish Committee (@AJCGlobal) January 14, 2021

The Simon Wiesenthal Center similarly tweeted, “Anti-Semitic attacks continue against Jews and our institutions around the world. This time in Montreal. Relieved that this time the perpetrator was caught.”

Anti-Semitic attacks continue against Jews and our institutions around the world. This time in Montreal. Relieved that this time the perpetrator was caught.https://t.co/aVDxvGTBTr

— SimonWiesenthalCntr (@simonwiesenthal) January 14, 2021