Winnipeg police are investigating two separate hate-motivated incidents, including vandalism at a Muslim-owned café and swastika graffiti at a synagogue, with community support growing amid rising concerns.
Vandalism at Habibiz Cafe Distresses Owner and Community
Ali Zeid has owned Habibiz Cafe on Portage Avenue for five years. He says the community has welcomed his Muslim-owned business. However, possible hate-motivated vandalism reported on Sunday has caused distress.
“We got here at about 9 a.m., got a couple calls from the guys that came to work,” explains Zeid. “Our front windows were vandalized, smashed with a hammer, and they left a hate letter indicating get out of our country, you don’t belong here.”
The front window was hit three times with a hammer early that morning. The letter was left at their front door. This incident has left the owners, staff, and their families fearful.
Since the vandalism, Zeid says the cafe has received strong support online. “It can scare the community, but what I’ve seen from the last 24 hours is that the community sticks together. They’re strong, they’re loving, they’re with us, standing beside us. It makes us want to do more for the community, not just hide and be scared. The community together is strong,” he added.
Separate Incident at Congregation Shaarey Zedek
A separate incident occurred on Friday morning at Congregation Shaarey Zedek, a synagogue with nearly 140 years of history in Winnipeg. Members report having surveillance video showing an individual spray-painting swastikas at the entrance of the building.
Despite this incident, nearly 200 people attended the Sabbath the next day. Executive Director Rena Secter Elbaze believes this attendance sent a powerful message. “This was an act meant to intimidate and frighten, so what we have to do is show up, we have to let people know we have our rightful place in the community that we want to contribute to,” she said.
Police Investigation and Hate Crime Statistics
The Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) confirmed that the graffiti has been removed. The Major Crimes Unit is investigating both incidents. Police are asking anyone with information to contact them. “If we don’t know, we can’t do anything about them,” says WPS Major Crimes Unit Insp. Jen McKinnon. “We need people to come forward. We need to stand together as Winnipeggers and take collective action in doing something about this. We do not accept this in Winnipeg.”
WPS tracks hate-related crimes, and recent statistics show an increase. In 2022, 28 hate-related crimes were reported. That number jumped to 44 in 2024. Police note that the actual number of such incidents may be higher than what is reported to them.
| Year | Reported Hate Crimes |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 28 |
| 2024 | 44 |
