For the third time in recent months, swastikas have been discovered in Whitby, this time on the very day marking the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation. The hateful graffiti was found in a washroom at the Whitby Public Library’s main branch on January 27—International Holocaust Remembrance Day—sparking outrage and renewed calls for action against antisemitism.
“We are deeply saddened and frustrated with the discovery of swastikas in the washroom at the Central Library earlier this week,” said Whitby Public Library CEO Rhonda Jessup. “There is absolutely no room for hate or intolerance at the Whitby Public Library.”
This latest act of vandalism follows two previous incidents in Whitby—one at the same library earlier in January and another last August, when a large swastika was burned into Prince of Wales Park.
Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy addressed the disturbing pattern, emphasizing the need for vigilance.
“In recent months, two incidents—now three—of antisemitic vandalism have caused pain and fear for our Jewish residents and for everyone who values a safe and inclusive town,” Roy said. “I want to assure Whitby residents that there is zero tolerance in our community for antisemitism and all forms of hate.”
Roy announced that the Durham Region Police Service (DRPS) has approved funding for a dedicated hate crimes unit in its 2025 budget. The unit will provide additional resources to investigate hate crimes, support victims, and collaborate with community organizations.
The Durham Region Anti-Racism Taskforce has also launched a “Reporting a Hate Crime” initiative to better equip the public with tools to identify and report hate incidents.
Rabbi Tzali Borenstein of the Chabad Jewish Centre of Durham Region has been vocal in condemning antisemitism in Whitby. He described the repeated swastika incidents as deeply painful for the Jewish community, particularly on Holocaust Remembrance Day.
“Holocaust Memorial Day is an emotional time for the community that lost family in the Holocaust, and hearing about swastikas is painful,” Borenstein said.
In response to the escalating incidents, Regional Councillor Chris Leahy will introduce two motions at the upcoming Whitby council meeting on February 3.
The first motion calls on the town to officially condemn the recent antisemitic acts and explore educational initiatives to combat antisemitism. It also proposes protocols to notify human rights organizations when hate-motivated crimes occur.
The second motion supports B’nai Brith Canada’s campaign to ban the public display of Nazi symbols, including the swastika.
The council meeting, set for 7 p.m. on Monday, will feature five delegations registered to speak on the motions.