VANCOUVER, British Columbia – A troubling incident unfolded at Vancouver’s Schara Tzedeck synagogue, where worshippers gathered for evening services were startled by a loud noise outside. Rabbi Andrew Rosenblatt recounted the moment when a passerby alerted the congregation to a fire ablaze outside the synagogue, leaving scorch marks on the front door.
Authorities are treating the incident as arson and a possible hate crime, with Vancouver police confirming that the fire was deliberately set using an accelerant. The Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver condemned the attack as a “deliberate act of hate” aimed at intimidating the Jewish community.
Fortunately, the damage to the synagogue was minor, and no injuries were reported. Despite the frightening nature of the event, the synagogue was quickly deemed safe for reopening following a thorough search by law enforcement and fire officials.
Amid a wave of antisemitic acts across Canada, including recent incidents at Jewish institutions in Montreal and Toronto, concerns about the safety and security of the Jewish community are mounting. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau labeled the attack on the Vancouver synagogue as a “disgusting act of antisemitism” and called for a united front against such hate crimes.
The disturbing trend of violence targeting Jewish gathering places has prompted calls for stronger action from lawmakers, with Liberal MP Anthony Housefather urging changes to the Criminal Code to enhance protections for at-risk communities. Efforts to combat antisemitism and ensure the safety of all Canadians remain a top priority for government officials.
As the investigation into the Vancouver synagogue attack unfolds, community members and leaders are standing together in solidarity against hatred and violence. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need to address and prevent acts of intolerance and bigotry in society.