‘Disgusting act of hate': Victoria synagogue vandalized with antisemitic statements
B.C.'s premier and public safety minister are condemning the vandalism of Canada's oldest surviving synagogue and pledging to support police and the community while an investigation is underway.
The Victoria Police Department was called to the Congregation Emanu-el Synagogue on Saturday around 8 p.m.
'Officers documented the graffiti, and collected evidence, and then worked with City of Victoria to have it removed,' a spokesperson said in a statement.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver was among the groups who shared an image of the statements scrawled on one of the columns flacking the building's front entrance on social media, along with a statement.
'We absolutely denounce this act of hate and stand in unwavering solidarity with the Victoria Jewish community. No one should ever feel unsafe in their place of worship,' a statement posted to X said.
Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger, whose constituency is in Victoria, also decried the vandalism.
'Hate has no place in our province,' she wrote.
'Antisemitism has no place in British Columbia. Hate vandalism, speech and intimidation are not protected expressions — they are crimes and will be treated as such. The province of B.C. stands with our Jewish community, and with all people vulnerable to hate and violence.'
Premier David Eby echoed the sentiment.
'Antisemitism has no place in our communities – not now, not ever,' he wrote.
'The Jewish community and police have our full support as they investigate this disgusting act of hate.'
The investigation is ongoing, according to police, who said they have no further information to share about the incident.
First built in 1863, the synagogue is a national historic site of Canada.
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