The Victoria Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in identifying a suspect in relation to an investigation into antisemitic graffiti at the Blanshard Street Emanu-El Synagogue in the early hours of Saturday, Aug. 2.
The vandalism was documented by police and the City of Victoria quickly removed the graffiti. VicPD released a photo of a suspect – which was captured between 5 and 5:30 a.m. on Aug. 2 – with hopes of identifying them.
The act was quickly condemned across social media, with Premier David Eby, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Nina Krieger and the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver making statements on the incident.
"Hate has no place in our community. Victorians are kind and welcoming, and this incident does not represent the values that I know Victorians share. I am pleased that the police are investigating this crime. I’ve conveyed my sorrow and support to the synagogue’s leaders," noted Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto in a statement on Wednesday, Aug. 6.
Anyone who can identify the individual, witnessed the event, or possesses any other information that would assist investigators, is asked to contact the EComm non-emergency line at 250-995-7654, extension 1, and reference file number 25-29663.
