WARNING: This story contains details some readers may find upsetting.
VicPD are undertaking a hate crime investigation after anti-Semitic graffiti was discovered at a Jewish community centre in Victoria.
Staff made the grim discovery on April 6th at the Chabad Centre for Jewish Life and Learning, by Topaz Park.
The messages were quickly removed by staff. A review of surveillance footage showed two suspects tagging the Centre.
VicPD has released stills from the video footage and are working to identify the two individuals.
“Hate has no place in Victoria or Esquimalt,” VicPD said in a statement.
The news comes during Yom HaShoah, a Jewish day of remembrance for the lives lost in the Holocaust.
A photo of two of the messages that were sprayed onto the sign of the centre at 2955 Glasgow Street was tweeted out by the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA).
The messages read “Kill Jews” and “Gas Jews.”
Jewish children have a right to feel safe in places of learning and recreation, and should never have to come across such hateful slogans when coming to the Chabad Centre in #Victoria. pic.twitter.com/fAt8w5c7O7
— CIJA (@CIJAinfo) April 8, 2021
“This cowardly attempt at intimidation will not go unchallenged,” CIJA tweeted.
“We take solace knowing that @vicpdcanada is investigating the incident as a hate crime.”
Anyone who recognizes the suspects or who has information about the incident is asked to contact VicPD at (250) 995-7654 extension 1.
To report what you know anonymously, please call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
