Investigation underway after downtown Fredericton synagogue vandalized
Philip Drost | CBC News | Posted: January 27, 2024 8:49 PM | Last Updated: January 27
Police are looking to determine if vandalism is act of targeted hostility
Fredericton police say they are investigating whether vandalism at a synagogue in downtown Fredericton is the result of targeted hostility.
Police received a report that someone noticed the damage on Saturday. They arrived to find the Sgoolai Israel Synagogue, near the corner of Westmorland and Brunswick streets, had been damaged.
Multiple windows were shattered.
"It's a very sad day in Fredericton to think that our fathers and forefathers have contributed so much to this city ... and this is what a few bad apples have done," said Ivan Lavine, past president of the synagogue.
Lavine says a repair company will take care of the damage on Saturday.
The synagogue already planned to add security cameras. Lavine said that will happen soon.
There has been a rise of antisemitic and islamophobic incidents in Canada since fighting started between Israel and Hamas last October.
New Brunswick Public Safety Minister Kris Austin put out a statement on Saturday decrying the vandalism.
"There is no place in New Brunswick for antisemitism," said Austin.
"I want to express my support to the Jewish community and assure them our department has already engaged with local police to offer support and any needed assistance as they investigate."
Saturday marks International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Fredericton police say an investigation is underway. Police are asking anyone who might have information to contact them.
Members of the community are planning a vigil at the synagogue on Sunday afternoon.
Clarifications:- A previous version of this story included a reference to a recent ruling by the International Court of Justice regarding Israel. The reference was removed because police have not suggested a link between that ruling and the vandalism that is the subject of the story. January 29, 2024 7:53 PM