Edmonton’s Beth Israel Synagogue Vandalized by Same Graffiti Crew Who Defaced Sikh Temple

Anti-Semitic messages and the heartfelt recommendation, “Leave Canada, ” were spray-painted on a synagogue in west Edmonton, GlobalNews.ca reported.

“A number of the congregants were quite distraught, having seen the graffiti on their way into the synagogue. They alerted me to it and, of course, I was shocked and devastated as well, ” Rabbi Daniel Friedman said, adding, “We know that this is not typical of our Canadian brothers and sisters, most of whom share our Canadian values of openness and tolerance.”

According to Rabbi Friedman, his synagogue has been fire-bombed and attacked with hateful graffiti in the past.

There appears to be a crew of hate graffiti locals, who have been targeting non-Christian places of worship. According to the report, last week, a south Edmonton Sikh temple was defaced with slogans like “Leave Canada” alongside a profane, racist comment.

Last October, a mosque in Cold Lake, some 300 miles away, was defaced by similar graffiti messages, which the entire local community got together to help remove from the walls.

Tim S. Uppal, a Sikh resident of Edmonton, wrote on his Facebook page:

I was deeply saddened to hear reports of an act of anti-Semitic vandalism to the Beth Israel Synagogue in Edmonton. I have visited this synagogue many times and have a close, personal connection to the congregation.

As Minister of State for Multiculturalism and as a Canadian, I condemn this cowardly anti-Semitic act of vandalism in the strongest sense.

From Confederation to today, Canadians from all different backgrounds, cultures and religions have contributed to shaping our great country.

I call on Canadians to firmly reject this and any other despicable expressions of hatred against Canadians of any faith or cultural background.

I am pleased to hear that the Edmonton Police are investigating this disturbing act.