Montreal police investigating after antisemitic symbol spray-painted on synagogue

By Canadian Press on February 17, 2025.

MONTREAL — Montreal police have opened an investigation after an antisemitic symbol was spray-painted on a synagogue over the weekend.

Rabbi Lisa Grushcow said in a video published to Facebook that a swastika was found on the side of Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom on Saturday.

Police spokesperson Florence Stafford says police have not made arrests but are looking for witnesses and security camera footage to help identify a suspect.

On the X platform, Mayor Valérie Plante called the vandalism an antisemitic attack and told Grushcow that police were investigating.

Grushcow, in her video, urged people to speak up against antisemitism, saying that public silence can be as disturbing as acts of hate.

She suggested that people who want to help can reach out to their Jewish friends, visit a Holocaust museum or a synagogue, and denounce antisemitic jokes or comments.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 17, 2025.

The Canadian Press