This morning, we learned about an incident of hateful graffiti targeting Leo Baeck Day School’s South Campus and another targeting a UJA Federation campaign sign outside Beth Sholom Synagogue.

There is no place in our city for this hatred. Some of the graffiti explicitly celebrated Hamas, a terrorist group dedicated to Israel’s destruction, which is designated by the Government of Canada as a banned terrorist entity. The purpose of this graffiti is to intimidate and frighten the Jewish community. We are neither intimidated nor frightened by this cowardly act of vandalism.

Upon learning of these disturbing acts this morning, CIJA, together with UJA Federation, worked with both the targeted institutions and law enforcement to ensure the situation was handled as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Both Leo Baeck and Beth Sholom took immediate action according to well established protocols for dealing with these kinds of incidents. Police responded and were on site quickly. They are actively investigating the incident and reviewing camera footage from the time of the incident. If you have any information that might assist police in their investigation, please contact Toronto Police 13 Division at 416-808-1300 and refer to file #18-1862954.

At this time, there is no information to suggest that there is any elevated risk posed to the Jewish community, though it is important for our community to remain vigilant. To learn more about how you can help keep our community safe, please click here to participate in this free Personal Safety and Security Awareness Training program, developed by CIJA’s National Community Security Program (NCSP).

Barbara Bank,
Chair, CIJA
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA)

P.S. To learn more about the NCSP, click here.