VANCOUVER, Canada – Following a terrifying incident at the Schara Tzedeck synagogue, Rabbi Andrew Rosenblatt recounted how a passerby alerted the congregation to a fire outside of their building after services on Thursday night. Vancouver police are now investigating the incident as arson and a potential hate crime, stating that the fire was intentionally set using an accelerant. The Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver labeled the act as a deliberate hate crime designed to intimidate the Jewish community, emphasizing their refusal to be intimidated or hide.
Although the synagogue suffered minor damage and no injuries were reported, the incident has sparked concerns about the treatment of Jewish people in Canada. British Columbia Premier David Eby condemned the attack as a deliberate act of hate and called for anyone with information to share it with the authorities. Furthermore, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau denounced the incident as a disgusting act of antisemitism, highlighting the need to address hate crimes that target specific communities.
The attack on the synagogue in Vancouver comes on the heels of similar incidents at Jewish schools in Montreal and Toronto, raising alarms about escalating antisemitism. Several political figures and community leaders have expressed outrage and called for concrete actions to combat hate crimes and protect vulnerable populations. Liberal MP Anthony Housefather urged for changes to the Criminal Code to address violent incidents targeting Jewish establishments, proposing the creation of safe zones to prevent future attacks.
In response to the incident, the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center voiced their dismay and emphasized the need to address the surge in anti-Jewish incidents across Canada. The attack on the synagogue has left members of the local Jewish community on edge, with concerns about the escalating violence targeting Jewish institutions. Vancouver residents, regardless of their affiliation with the synagogue, have expressed solidarity with the Jewish community and emphasized the importance of standing against hate and intolerance.
As investigations into the incident continue, community members, leaders, and officials are working together to ensure the safety and security of all residents. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the need to address and confront antisemitism and hate crimes in all forms to create a more inclusive and tolerant society. The community’s resilience and unwavering resolve in the face of adversity echo a strong message of unity and solidarity in the fight against hatred and bigotry.