Vancouver, British Columbia – A shocking arson attack targeted the Schara Tzedeck synagogue in Vancouver’s Oak Street, setting the front doors of the building on fire. The incident occurred late Thursday night, following a service at the synagogue, with witnesses describing a loud bang preceding the discovery of the flames. Rabbi Andrew Rosenblatt expressed gratitude that the fire did not cause extensive damage and that no one was harmed in the attack.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver confirmed that the arsonist poured fuel on the synagogue’s front doors before igniting the flames, marking the incident as a deliberate act of hate. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the attack as a vile display of antisemitism, emphasizing the need to combat such hatred in society.
Local authorities, including the Vancouver Police Department, are treating the case as both an arson investigation and a potential hate crime. The incident comes in the wake of similar attacks on Jewish institutions in Montreal and Toronto, raising concerns about the safety and security of the Jewish community across Canada.
Rabbi Rosenblatt expressed shock at the brazenness of the attack, noting that the perpetrator showed no concern for concealing their actions. The incident has sparked calls for enhanced security measures at Jewish gathering places, including suggestions for creating safe zones around schools and places of worship to prevent further violence.
Members of the Jewish community, along with political leaders and advocacy groups, have united in condemning the attack and calling for swift action to address the rise of antisemitic incidents in Canada. The incident at the Schara Tzedeck synagogue serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats faced by minority communities and the urgent need to combat hate and intolerance in all its forms.