Winnipeg โ Winnipeg police are investigating an antisemitic hate crime after swastikas and hate messages were discovered spray-painted overnight on the exterior of Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, one of the cityโs largest and most prominent Jewish congregations.
The vandalism was discovered early in the morning, with multiple hate symbols defacing visible areas of the synagogue property. No injuries were reported. Police confirmed officers responded to the scene, documented the damage, and have launched an investigation that is being treated as a hate crime. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from the surrounding area and have appealed to the public for information.
Shaarey Zedek Synagogue serves as a central hub for Winnipeg’s Jewish community, offering a rich blend of religious, cultural, and communal experiences. Community leaders stressed that the presence of swastikas removes any ambiguity about motive.
โThis was not random graffiti,โ a Jewish community representative said. โSwastikas are a direct symbol of antisemitism and are meant to intimidate.โ
The incident prompted condemnation from major Jewish advocacy organizations.
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs denounced the vandalism, echoing its past responses to antisemitic graffiti in Winnipeg. In a statement addressing similar incidents, CIJA said that when Jewish institutions are defaced with swastikas, โsilence is not an option,โ adding that such acts demand a clear response from civic leaders and law enforcement.
The Jewish Federation of Winnipeg also condemned the attack. In previous statements following antisemitic vandalism in the city, federation leadership described such acts as โpure hatred.โ It warned that repeated targeting of Jewish institutions poses a serious threat to community safety. Federation officials have consistently urged residents to report hate incidents promptly and allow police to complete forensic documentation before cleanup.
National Jewish advocacy organization B’nai Brith Canada has likewise condemned similar antisemitic vandalism incidents across Canada. In prior statements, the organization has described the use of Nazi symbols against Jewish buildings as โreprehensible and unacceptable,โ emphasizing the importance of thorough police investigations and accountability for perpetrators.
Elected officials at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels also issued condemnations. Canadian political leaders have previously described swastika graffiti in Winnipeg as โreprehensibleโ and โcompletely unacceptable,โ stressing that hate crimes have no place in Canadian society and pledging support for law enforcement efforts to identify those responsible.
The vandalism occurs amid a sustained rise in antisemitic incidents across Canada. Jewish organizations have warned that synagogues, schools, and community centers are increasingly targeted during periods of heightened anti-Israel activism, even when local institutions have no connection to international events.
Community security volunteers noted that Jewish institutions in Winnipeg continue to coordinate closely with police on safety measures. Community leaders emphasized that security protocols are under review. They stressed that Jewish life will continue openly and publicly.
โIntimidation will not succeed,โ one community member said. โWe will not hide who we are.โ
Police continue to ask anyone with information, photos, or video footage from the area to contact investigators. The investigation remains ongoing.
