Swastikas found on Winnipeg synagogue sparks police probe

Winnipeg Police Investigate Antisemitic Graffiti at Synagogue

Winnipeg police are investigating after a synagogue reported antisemitic graffiti just hours before the Sabbath.

Congregation Shaarey Zedek, located on Wellington Crescent near the Maryland Bridge, said surveillance video captured an individual spray-painting swastikas at its entrance on Friday morning.

“We call on all Winnipeggers to stand up against hate,” said Senior Rabbi Carnie Shalom Rose in a post by the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA). “What’s at stake is not just the safety of one community, but the future of our Canadian way of life.”

Images shared by the CIJA showed swastikas painted on four window panes and on a wall.

The CIJA expressed that it was “deeply disturbed” by the incident at the synagogue, which has been in Winnipeg for nearly 140 years.

Gustavo Zentner, the CIJA vice-president for the Prairies, told Global News that the incident impacts more than just the synagogue.

“When we see symbols of hate, pure evil, intimidation targeting the Jewish community, we know that this is not only an attack on the Jewish community, but it’s an attack on all Manitobans, on all Canadians,” Zentner said.

“Let me be clear, this isn’t only or just about an attack on the Jewish community, this is a signaling of certain individuals that no one is free in this country to celebrate, to practice their own faith, their own religions, their affinity with community and social institutions.”

Winnipeg police confirmed to Global News on Saturday that the graffiti has been removed and that the major crimes unit is investigating the incident.

The synagogue stated in a post on Sunday that police were at the building that morning and may return as the investigation continues. They advised that operations will continue and congregants should not be concerned.

Executive Director Rena Secter Elbaze said they would maintain security on site for Shabbat morning and for events. She asked congregants to report anything suspicious to its maintenance department, security officer, and greeters on site.

“In these difficult times, we must not be daunted by this act of Antisemitism. We must, as we have always done, persevere, transcend, and go forward,” Elbaze wrote.

Zentner expressed hope that someone would be charged and the law would be applied for the act. He also called on Manitobans and Canadians to stand up.

“You don’t have to be Jewish to take a stand under this antisemitic incident on a Jewish synagogue or institution,” he said. “You need to take a stand to protect our Canadian values and not to let any community go through intimidation, being singled out and being expelled, or prevented from contributing to the whole of society.”