Antisemitic statements that were scribbled on a downtown Victoria synagogue have been met with condemnation and an investigation by police, according to B.C.'s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
The Victoria Police Department confirmed that on Saturday, Aug. 2 at around 8 p.m., officers responded to the complaint at the Congregation Emanu-El synagogue where they documented the graffiti, collected evidence and worked with the City of Victoria to have it removed.
"Acts of antisemitism like this are not just attacks on Jewish institutions鈥攖hey are attacks on the safety, dignity, and values of our entire community," noted a social media post by the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver, showing a photo of the graffiti.
Premier David Eby noted on a social media post that the Jewish community has full provincial support as the case is under investigation.
"Antisemitism has no place in our communities 鈥� not now, not ever," he said.
Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, and Victoria-Swan Lake MLA, Nina Krieger echoed Eby's statement, saying the province stands with B.C.'s Jewish community and noted that hate vandalism, speech and intimidation are crimes "and will be treated as such."
"This is why we are expanding the Hate Crimes Unit for B.C., to recognize and investigate hate-motivated crimes and bring charges against perpetrators," noted Krieger.
VicPD says they are unable to share any more details as the incident is under investigation.
We are outraged and deeply disturbed by the hateful graffiti vandalizing a synagogue in Victoria. Acts of antisemitism like this are not just attacks on Jewish institutions鈥攖hey are attacks on the safety, dignity, and values of our entire community.
鈥� Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver (@JewishVancouver)
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