The front of Congregation Emanu-El Synagogue in Victoria, B.C., was damaged on August 2, 2025. (Photo: congregationemanuel.ca)
Police in Victoria responded to a disturbing report on Saturday night. Around 8 p.m., someone vandalized the Congregation Emanu-El Synagogue with antisemitic graffiti.
Officers arrived quickly. They took photos of the graffiti, collected evidence, and contacted city staff to clean it up. Police confirmed they are investigating and have not released more details yet.
Outrage From Local and Provincial Leaders
B.C. leaders strongly condemned the vandalism. The public safety minister and premier both posted messages on social media calling the act hateful and unacceptable.
“Hate has no place in our province,” wrote the public safety minister. She said such actions are not free speech but crimes and will be treated seriously.
Premier David Eby also spoke out. “Antisemitism has no place in our communities — not now, not ever,” he said.
Jewish Federation Calls For Action
The Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver also responded. They shared a photo of the graffiti on social media and issued a statement.
Ezra Shanken, the federation’s CEO, said this wasn’t just a random act. He explained that the synagogue has spoken out for the rights of Palestinians and supported peace efforts.
“This is a progressive synagogue, which also tells you that it is about the Jews, isn’t it?” he told CTV. “What you’re saying by scrawling this on a synagogue… is that there’s nothing that we can do that makes us not evil.”
He described the graffiti as a “manifesto” and said it used ancient antisemitic ideas. Shanken urged the government to treat hateful acts like this seriously, not just with words but with criminal charges.
He warned that antisemitism is growing and called it “a Canadian problem.” He said hate against any group must be taken seriously and dealt with firmly.
Historic Site Targeted
The synagogue isn’t just a place of worship. Built in 1863, it is the oldest surviving synagogue in Canada and a national historic site.
Seeing it defaced by hate shocked many in the community. The act has sparked calls for greater protection and stronger responses to rising antisemitism.
Police say their investigation continues. Community members and leaders say they’ll keep speaking out and supporting one another.
