HALIFAX, NS โ Halifax Regional Police said Monday they are investigating six incidents of racist graffiti found across central Halifax, including three instances where antisemitic messages were spray-painted on synagogue buildings. Police released a photo of a suspect and asked anyone with information to come forward.
Police said the incidents were discovered Sunday morning and included vile slogans and symbols scrawled at Beth Israel, Shaar Shalom, and a Chabad-affiliated Jewish centre. A swastika was reported at the entrance to one synagogue, and other defacements included the phrase ‘Jews did 9/11’, according to community and media reports.
Halifax Regional Police Chief Don MacLean said a hate crime investigator was engaged immediately and is reviewing video and other evidence. He warned that hatred would not be tolerated in the municipality and said extra patrols would be deployed around synagogues and other religious buildings.
The incidents prompted swift condemnations from political and Jewish community leaders. Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston called the vandalism disgraceful and urged solidarity with Jewish residents. Local officials, including Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore, also denounced the attacks as unacceptable acts of hate.
The Atlantic Jewish Council and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs said the defacements amount to an assault on Canadian values and demanded a rapid police response. The groups noted that the acts occurred at a sensitive moment for local Jewish institutions and called for enhanced security and clarity from the authorities.
Police urged caution about drawing premature links to other recent incidents in the city. The vandalism occurred days after large protests related to an international sporting event, which had drawn heightened tensions locally. Halifax police said investigators are reviewing all available evidence and have not publicly confirmed any direct connection to demonstrations.
Anyone with information, video, or images that could assist the investigation was asked to contact Halifax Regional Police at 902-490-5020. Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or via the Crime Stoppers website.
For Jewish and pro-Israel communities, the incidents underscore persistent security concerns and the importance of rapid law-enforcement action. Community leaders said they will continue to coordinate with police and Jewish security partners to protect congregations and ensure those responsible are held to account.
This article is based on verified information from the Halifax Regional Municipality news release, Halifax Regional Police social posts, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, CityNews Halifax, Israel National News, and reports from the Atlantic Jewish Council and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs.