Arson attack on synagogue is latest in a string of anti-Semitic incidents that have rocked Canada

An arsonist set fire to the entrance of a synagogue in Vancouver in the third anti-Semitic attack in Canada in a matter of days.

The attack came against a backdrop of increasing anti-Semitism in the country, which has around 390,000 Jews, the fourth largest community in the world.

In the latest incident, petrol was poured through the doors of the Schara Tzedeck synagogue last week, causing minor damage. The blaze was swiftly extinguished by worshippers.

The attack was condemned by Justin Trudeau, the Canadian prime minister.

“A synagogue in Vancouver was attacked last night in another disgusting act of anti-Semitism,” he said. “We cannot let this hate or these acts of violence stand. This is not the Canada we want to be.”

“This fire was intentionally set at a place of worship for the Jewish community,” police Constable Tania Visintin said.

“While we collect evidence to identify the person responsible, we’re also working closely with faith leaders and community members to ensure everyone’s safety.”

Security around Jewish institutions has been stepped up after bullets were fired at Jewish schools in Toronto and Montreal during the previous week.

Anti-Semitic attacks intensified in the aftermath of the outbreak of the war in Gaza which erupted on October 7 when nearly 1,200 civilians were killed by Hamas.

According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, more than 36,000 people, mainly civilians, have been killed by Israel’s defence forces.

In November last year, a Molotov cocktail was thrown into the entrance of the Jewish Community Council of Montreal.

Last month the Annual Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents from B’nai Brith Canada was released showing that the number of attacks hit a new high last year.

In all there were 5,791 incidents, averaging 16 a day. This more than doubled the total the previous year. Of these 77 were described as violent.

Hate crimes

In Toronto, police said that anti-Semitic attacks accounted for 53 per cent of reported hate crimes since October 7.

“Anti-Semitism is not only a blight on Jewish people,” said Richard Robertson, B’nai Brith Canada’s director of research and advocacy.

“We urge people to think seriously about what this spike in anti-Semitic incidents says about the direction in which our society is heading.”