A Canadian synagogue was vandalized late last week with anti-Semitic graffiti.

Beth Jacob Synagogue Rabbi Hillel Lavery-Yisraeli discovered the vandalism—a swastika and the word “Jews” crossed out—on Saturday upon arriving at the Hamilton, Ontario, building.

“It was very hard for me, harder than I expected,” he told CBC. “It was very hard for me to go about business as usual knowing that there are these hateful people in the neighborhood who really want us gone.”

“Is that where society is in 2019? Is that the Canada we’re raising our children in?” he asked.

Police are investigating the incident as a hate crime. The Hamilton Jewish Federation announced it is offering police any possible assistance.

The graffiti has since been removed.

Just before you scroll on...

Israel is at war. JNS is combating the stream of misinformation on Israel with real, honest and factual reporting. In order to deliver this in-depth, unbiased coverage of Israel and the Jewish world, we rely on readers like you. The support you provide allows our journalists to deliver the truth, free from bias and hidden agendas. Can we count on your support? Every contribution, big or small, helps JNS.org remain a trusted source of news you can rely on.

Become a part of our mission by donating today

Already a member? Log in to stop seeing this