Antisemitic attack at Congregation Shaar Hashomayim

Earlier today, the SPVM apprehended an individual who was caught onsite at Congregation Shaar Hashomayim in Westmount by synagogue security. The suspect is being investigated for heinous graffiti on the doors of the synagogye. Federation CJA Security Personnel and our Community Security Network (CSN) were immediately onsite to work with police and synagogue officials. Together with our advocacy partners at CIJA, we immediately condemned the incident and will continue to work with the SPVM as they complete their investigation. 

Please take note of the statement we issued earlier today:

"The heinous attack struck at the heart of our community. We are shocked and horrified by this hateful act and trust that the perpetrator will be brought to justice," said Federation CJA President Gail Adelson.

“The Jewish community is outraged by today’s vile assault on Congregation Shaar Hashomayim in Westmount. This attack targets the entire community and all those who embrace civility and tolerance.

Coming in the wake of other violent antisemitic attacks, it is yet another reminder of the dangerous role social media continues to play in the spreading of hate and the provocation of violence.
The Jewish community calls on government and social media to redouble their efforts to monitor and halt this propagation of online antisemitism and bigotry. We are grateful to the synagogue security and the police for their rapid response,” noted CIJA Quebec Co-Chair Rabbi Reuben Poupko.

“This act against our community is distressing and, unfortunately, not surprising. Antisemitism does not respect lockdowns, and it comes from all directions. We are proud of our security team’s response, and grateful to the police and Federation CJA’s security team for their work in keeping us safe.“ added Rabbi Adam Scheier of Congregation Shaar Hashomayim.