‘Incendiary device’ thrown at Vancouver synagogue

The Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver says an “incendiary device” was thrown at the front door of a synagogue in the city and police are investigating.

An online statement said the incident occurred at the Schara Tzedeck Synagogue on Oak Street on Thursday around 9:30 p.m., with minor damage and no one injured.

The federation calls the alleged incident a “conscious act of hatred” and an “attempt to intimidate” the Jewish community.

He says the Vancouver Police Department and a fire inspector searched the building before deciding it was safe to reopen.

The federation says additional police patrols have been deployed at local Jewish institutions.

BC Premier David Eby confirmed the incident on social media.

“This disgusting act of anti-Semitism is reprehensible and has absolutely no place in BC,” he said.

“We stand with the Jewish community in British Columbia and unequivocally condemn anti-Semitism and all forms of hate.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also posted on social media about the incident.

“A synagogue in Vancouver was attacked last night in another disgusting act of anti-Semitism,” Trudeau said on X.

“We cannot allow this hatred and these acts of violence to continue. This is not the Canada we want to be.”

On Friday morning, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim called the event a “heinous act of anti-Semitism.”

“This is an attack on a holy place for the Jewish community in Vancouver. Regardless of who committed this crime, VPD will use any means necessary to find and arrest you. We will not rest until you are brought to justice,” Sim said in a statement.

“We are in constant contact with VPD and the investigation remains active and ongoing.”

Sim said that out of an abundance of caution, Vancouver police have deployed additional officers to all synagogues and Jewish schools in Vancouver to provide community members with additional safety and reassurance.

Vancouver police also issued a statement Friday morning and are calling the incident an arson.

“Investigators believe an accelerant was used to start the fire outside the building,” Const. – said Tania Visintin.

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“This fire was deliberately set in a place of worship of the Jewish community.

“We are gathering evidence to identify the person responsible, but are working closely with religious leaders and community members to ensure everyone’s safety.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Vancouver police at 604-717-2541.

The incident is being investigated as a possible hate crime.

The incident came after bullet holes were found in two Jewish schools in Montreal and Toronto in recent days.

— With files from the Canadian Press

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