Jewish Federation Of Winnipeg Condemns Antisemitic Vandalism At Congregation Shaarey Zedek

WINNIPEG — The Jewish Federation of Winnipeg has strongly condemned an act of antisemitic vandalism targeting Congregation Shaarey Zedek, calling the incident a deliberate attempt to intimidate the Jewish community that will not succeed.

According to a statement issued by the Federation, security footage shows that at approximately 4:30 a.m. on Friday, January 2, an individual defaced the synagogue’s entrance with antisemitic graffiti. The markings included swastikas, the word “hate,” and another symbol whose intent remains under review by investigators.

The vandalism appeared on the glass panels of the synagogue’s entrance doors and on part of the marble exterior facing Wellington Crescent. The damage was discovered shortly afterward, reported to the Winnipeg Police Service, documented, and removed.

Police confirmed that the incident is under active investigation. The Jewish Federation stated that it is assisting authorities and that its Director of Community Security has been involved since Friday morning, working closely with synagogue leadership and police as part of the response.

“This was an act of pure antisemitism, intended to intimidate. It did not succeed,” said Jeff Lieberman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg.

Lieberman emphasized that the community’s response demonstrated resilience rather than fear. He pointed to Shabbat services held later that day, which proceeded as scheduled and were well attended.

“Yesterday, members of our community came together at Shabbat services, showing that hate cannot shake our unity or our resolve,” Lieberman said.

The Federation said security measures remain in place at Congregation Shaarey Zedek and other Jewish institutions. Security personnel will continue to be present during services and events. Community members attending events are encouraged to report anything unusual to on-site security or synagogue staff. As the investigation continues, police presence at the site may occur intermittently.

While no arrests have been announced, Federation leaders said they are hopeful that the individual responsible will be identified and held accountable once the investigation concludes.

Beyond the immediate incident, the Federation expressed deep concern about what it described as a broader pattern of antisemitic acts occurring across Canada. Lieberman noted that similar incidents have recently been reported in Montreal and Toronto, underscoring that the Winnipeg vandalism is not an isolated case.

“We are deeply concerned that incidents such as these are not occurring in isolation,” Lieberman said. “They are part of a broader rise in antisemitic acts affecting our community.”

Jewish organizations across Canada have reported a sharp increase in antisemitism over the past year, including vandalism, harassment, and threats directed at Jewish individuals and institutions. Community leaders have warned that synagogues, schools, and community centers have increasingly become symbolic targets for hatred.

The Federation called on governments and law enforcement agencies to take decisive action to ensure perpetrators are held accountable and to address the sources of antisemitism. Lieberman also urged political, business, faith, and community leaders to speak out clearly and consistently.

“All Canadians who believe in our shared values have a responsibility to speak out clearly against antisemitism and all forms of hate,” he said.

The Federation expressed gratitude to the Winnipeg Police Service for its response and to community members for their support. It stated that updates will be shared with the community as appropriate as the investigation progresses.

For Winnipeg’s Jewish community, the vandalism has reinforced both a sense of vulnerability and a determination to remain visible, united, and engaged. Community leaders stressed that while security measures are essential, solidarity and public accountability are equally important.

As the investigation continues, the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg says it remains committed to protecting community institutions, supporting those affected, and confronting antisemitism wherever it appears.