Winnipeg synagogue responding with strength after antisemitic graffiti vandalism

Members of the Shaarey Zedek synagogue say they aren’t backing down from intimidation, after the synagogue was vandalized with graffiti swastikas late last week. Community leaders are speaking against antisemitic hate.

“A lone vandal who came on the front and spraypainted the front of our building, on our etched glass window on our front door, and also on the marble,” said Rena Secter Elbaze, the executive director of Congregation Shaarey Zedek.

It happened early morning on January 2, Winnipeg Police confirmed to CityNews that major crimes are investigating, and they’re asking anyone with info to contact them.  Elbaze says the response from the congregation was one of strength; the synagogue has seen high turnout for every service in recent days.

“There were a few people that were frightened by it, people were sad, but we also have a resolve that we belong in this province, we’ve been here since the start of Manitoba itself, you know the synagogue was created in 1889, and we’re part of the fabric of the community so we felt that we had to show up and show that we belong here,” said Elbaze.

She adds that she believes that an attack against one community is an attack against all Canadians, and that there must be a zero-tolerance policy for acts like this.

“It’s important that we collectively as a community stand up and raise our voice,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham.

Winnipeg Municipal government leaders spoke out Monday against the act.

“We should stand up and say that’s not acceptable, and I think its those of us who may be kind of a silent majority who understand that this kind of behavior is not acceptable, I think its time for us to raise our voice, I think its time for us to start confronting other people to say, hey that’s uncalled for, that’s unacceptable, that’s not the kind of city we’re building here,” said Gillingham.

John Orlikow, the city councillor for River Heights – Fort Garry, said, “We hear too often, we fluff it off as these really horrific comments people make in a joking manner or not, it is by far way too long, we have to stand up and tell people that’s not tolerable.”

Premier Wab Kinew also chimed in via a written statement that reads in part: The antisemitic graffiti at Shaarey Zedek was an attack on the Jewish community and on all Manitobans. When a place of worship or a local family business is targeted, it puts the safety of our province at risk.

“Creating the education is important, and also political leadership needs to stand up; they need to understand that the words they say on television and to the general population have an impact,” said Elbaze.

For Elbaze, the best thing for her congregation and the entire Jewish community can do is continue to show strength and not back down from hate.

“They should come, they come if they didn’t come before they should really come now in spite of all of that. I think that’s very important. Show up, be counted, don’t be silent,” said Elbaze. “If everyone stands up and says this is just not acceptable, maybe we’ll be able to stop it and put it down.”