WINNIPEG — Winnipeg police are investigating after antisemitic hate speech was directed at people gathered for a Hanukkah menorah lighting event at the Health Sciences Centre, according to Shared Health and Jewish community representatives.
The incident occurred during what was meant to be a joyful Hanukkah gathering at the Health Sciences Centre campus. An individual deliberately disrupted the event by shouting antisemitic hate speech and engaging in intimidation, less than 24 hours after a deadly antisemitic terrorist attack in Australia, according to a statement shared by Jewish Physicians of Manitoba.
Shared Health confirmed that security and police responses are under review and that investigations are ongoing. Winnipeg Police Service has not released details about the suspect or potential charges but confirmed that the matter is being investigated.
The disruption has left numerous attendees shaken. One attendee told the president of the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg that the incident deeply unsettled those present, particularly given the broader climate of rising antisemitism and the timing so soon after international violence targeting Jewish communities.
In a public statement posted on social media, Jewish Physicians of Manitoba described the incident as overt hate speech and intimidation directed at participants during the menorah lighting.
“As many of you may have heard by now, yesterday, during what was meant to be a joyful Hanukkah gathering at HSC, an individual deliberately disrupted our holiday celebration with overt hate speech and intimidation,” the group stated.
The statement noted that the disruption occurred at a time when the Jewish community is already feeling exposed and vulnerable.
“Security and police responses are under review, and investigations are undergoing,” the statement added.
Despite the incident, Jewish Physicians of Manitoba emphasized resilience and continuity in the face of hate, invoking the central message of Hanukkah.
“We will not allow this to break our spirit or diminish the meaning of this holiday,” the statement read. “Hanukkah reminds us that even a small light can push back a great darkness.”
The group also referenced the miracle of the oil in the Beit HaMikdash, writing, “Just as the oil in the Beit HaMikdash burned beyond all expectation, so too must we continue to show up for one another, and for our community, and let our light continue to shine brightly.”
The incident adds to growing concerns within Winnipeg’s Jewish community about antisemitism in public spaces, including hospitals, schools, and places of worship. Community leaders have repeatedly warned that antisemitic incidents are increasing in both frequency and intensity across Canada.
The president of the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg confirmed that community members have expressed fear and distress following the disruption, noting that even events held in institutional settings such as hospitals are no longer perceived as inherently safe.
Jewish leaders have emphasized that the Hanukkah menorah lighting was intended as a moment of unity, reflection, and religious observance, not a political event. They stress that hate directed at such gatherings underscores the need for vigilance and clear responses from authorities.
Shared Health said it is cooperating with law enforcement and reviewing internal security protocols. The organization has not released further details pending the outcome of the investigation.
Winnipeg Police Service has encouraged anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Police have not indicated whether the investigation is being handled by a specialized unit.
Jewish community organizations in Winnipeg continue to urge authorities to treat antisemitic incidents with seriousness and urgency, particularly when they occur in sensitive environments such as health care facilities.
