Authorities in Canada and Australia initiated separate investigations into antisemitic vandalism targeting synagogues as Jewish communities expressed outrage over what leaders characterized as attacks on community safety and religious freedom, local media reported.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver condemned hateful graffiti discovered at the Victoria Emanu-El synagogue, the oldest continuously operating synagogue in Canada, which describes itself as a warm, progressive Conservative-stream place of worship. The Jewish group described the incident as an assault on Jewish institutions that threatens the security and dignity of the entire community. Federation officials declared their unwavering solidarity with Victoria's Jewish population while denouncing the act as an attack on fundamental community values. It comes just days after Canada announced that it would recognize "Palestine" if the Palestinian Authority carried out several reforms, prompting outrage in Israel, which has said such recognition – which comes on the heels of France, the UK and other G-7 countries making similar moves – only rewards Hamas' atrocities in the Oct. 7 war.
Today, on Tisha B'Av, the holiest day of mourning in the Jewish calendar, Congregation Emanu-El in Victoria, BC, the oldest synagogue in continuous use in Canada, was vandalized with vile, antisemitic graffiti. A thread
1/8 ##bcpoli https://t.co/WEYA0qcVRc
— Nico Slobinsky (@nicoslobinsky) August 3, 2025
"Acts of antisemitism like this are not just attacks on Jewish institutions – they are attacks on the safety, dignity, and values of our entire community," the federation stated in social media posts. The organization emphasized that no individual should experience fear in their place of worship while acknowledging the ongoing nature of antisemitism challenges. "This is a painful reminder that the fight against antisemitism is far from over. We will continue to work with our partners across British Columbia to confront hate in all its forms and ensure that our communities remain safe, inclusive, and strong."
"Jews are evil! Because genocide is evil! Stop genocide stop the Jews! Jews are murdering thousands of gentile children in the future Palestinians will get their revenge against you child-killing Jew-monsters!," the graffiti on the synagogue read, referring to the ongoing war in Gaza.
British Columbia Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger responded by declaring that antisemitism has no place in the province and confirmed that hate vandalism, speech and intimidation constitute criminal acts rather than protected expressions. Krieger announced provincial expansion of the Hate Crimes Unit to recognize and investigate hate-motivated crimes while bringing charges against perpetrators.
"This is why we are expanding the Hate Crimes Unit for BC, to recognize and investigate hate-motivated crimes and bring charges against perpetrators," Krieger explained on X. The minister directed individuals to contact local police for non-emergency hate-motivated incidents and call 911 when necessary.
Meanwhile, Victoria Police in Australia launched a separate search for a male suspect believed connected to multiple incidents involving spray-painted offensive phrases at a Melbourne synagogue. The unknown perpetrator targeted the Melbourne Hebrew Congregation in South Yarra on five different occasions between March 11 and July 30, local media reported.
CCTV footage released by authorities shows the male arriving each time on a black e-scooter before retrieving a spray paint can and writing offensive phrases on building walls. Victoria Police described the suspect as frequently wearing a long black jacket and black and white face covering, according to the Australian outlet ABCNews.
"During the July incidents, the male wore a Scream mask, which completely covered his face," a police spokesperson stated, according to ABCNews. Detective Inspector Martin McLean indicated authorities believe the perpetrator operates alone based on investigation findings.
"There's certainly a pattern of behaviour. It's always with a spray-can, and always targeting the synagogue," McLean explained, according to ABCNews. "At this stage we have nothing to suggest he's working with anyone else."
Police characterized the suspect as Caucasian, bald with a medium build while expressing certainty that community members possess knowledge of the individual's identity or have observed the person before or after incidents. Detective McLean emphasized law enforcement's serious view of such abhorrent public behavior, according to ABCNews.
"Police certainly take a dim view of this sort of abhorrent behaviour in the public arena. If we can have any help in regards to this matter that would be greatly appreciated," McLean stated. Investigations continue as authorities urge anyone with information or witness accounts to contact Crime Stoppers.
"There is absolutely no place at all in our society for hate-based behaviour," a police spokesperson declared, according to ABCNews.
