By Canadian Press

Montreal mayor denounces vandalism of synagogue defaced with antisemitic graffiti

Mar 29, 2023 | 12:43 PM

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante is expressing her support for the city’s Jewish community after a historic synagogue was defaced with antisemitic graffiti.

Plante says there’s no place in Montreal for discrimination and racism, adding that the city is working hard to ensure everyone’s safety.

Her comments come after Jewish organization B’nai Brith Canada circulated photos that showed swastikas spray-painted on the 102-year-old Bagg Street Synagogue.

B’nai Brith Canada’s national director for its human rights league also sent a letter to Plante’s administration, asking them to do more to combat antisemitism and a rise in reported hate incidents targeting Jews.

Marvin Rotrand says the red-brick property on Bagg Street is the province’s oldest active synagogue building and is recognized as a heritage site by Quebec and Montreal.

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Montreal police say they’re aware of the incident, and a number of other Jewish organizations, including Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, have issued statements condemning the vandalism.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 29, 2023.

Morgan Lowrie, The Canadian Press