Police investigating possible hate motivation for damage to synagogue in Kitchener
Posted Jun 4, 2024 10:20:17 AM.
Last Updated Jun 4, 2024 12:58:26 PM.
Waterloo Regional Police are looking into whether hate might be the reason a synagogue in Kitchener was damaged.
Police were called out Monday to Beth Jacob Synagogue, on Stirling Avenue South near Courtland Avenue East, for some overnight damage to the building as someone smashed the front entrance windows.
Waterloo Region’s Police Chief Mark Crowell was on The Mike Farwell Show on Tuesday and said investigators are working to determine whether the vandalism was hate-motivated.
“It’s of great concern because we have seen other incidents right across Canada where synagogues, places of worship, have been attacked,” said Crowell. “This is in line with a rise of anti-semitism.”
Crowell called it a troubling trend.
“I know through speaking with police leaders right across Ontario and Canada, we’re not alone,” said Crowell. “We will continue to do our part to support our local Jewish community.”
Anyone with information on the property damage at the local synagogue is urged to call police at 519-570-9777, extension 6370, or reach out anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.
