Spate of Antisemitic Graffiti on Synagogues Blames Jews for "Genocide" in Gaza
A string of graffiti vandalism on synagogues during the Jewish day of mourning, Tisha B'Av, highlight the disturbing trend of antisemitic acts disguised as pro-Palestinian activism
Police in Canada and Australia have launched investigations into antisemitic vandalism targeting synagogues, while a third incident was reported at a Vermont synagogue, as authorities condemn the attacks as hate crimes that threaten Jewish community safety and religious freedom.
The incidents occurred at Congregation Emanu-El in Victoria, British Columbia—Canada's oldest continuously operating synagogue—the Melbourne Hebrew Congregation in South Yarra, Australia, and a synagogue in Woodstock, Vermont, marking a concerning pattern of attacks on Jewish places of worship across multiple countries.
Canadian Incident Sparks Official Response
In Victoria, BC, hateful graffiti discovered at the progressive Conservative synagogue prompted swift condemnation from the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver, which described the vandalism as an assault on Jewish institutions that threatens the security and dignity of the entire community.
The graffiti contained inflammatory language targeting Jewish people and making references to the ongoing Israel-Hamas War, reading: "Jews are evil! Because genocide is evil! Stop genocide stop the Jews! Jews are murdering thousands of gentile children in the future Palestinians will get their revenge against you child-killing Jew-monsters!"
Nico Slobinsky, Vice President at the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, stated the attack was not random, noting it occurred in a city where Samidoun—a group Canada has designated as a terrorist entity—continues operating through front organizations. Slobinsky warned that Canada's tolerance of pro-Hamas demonstrations and hate speech has created an environment where attackers feel emboldened to vandalize synagogues and rebrand antisemitic tropes as activism.
British Columbia Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger responded to the incident by confirming that such acts constitute criminal hate crimes rather than protected speech. "This is why we are expanding the Hate Crimes Unit for BC, to recognize and investigate hate-motivated crimes and bring charges against perpetrators," Krieger stated on social media.
Melbourne Synagogue Targeted Multiple Times
In Melbourne, Victoria Police are searching for a suspect who vandalized the Melbourne Hebrew Congregation on five separate occasions between March 11 and July 30. CCTV footage shows the perpetrator arriving each time on a black e-scooter, wearing various disguises including a "Scream" mask during July incidents.
Detective Inspector Martin McLean described a clear pattern of behavior, with the suspect consistently using spray paint to target the synagogue
Community and Official Response
These incidents highlight the concerning trend of holding local Jewish communities responsible for what is happening in Israel—a practice widely recognized as antisemitic. The timing of the incidents in Vermont and Victoria B.C.—occurring on the eve of Tisha B'Av—underscores what Jewish leaders describe as particularly callous targeting of sacred times in the Jewish calendar.