Toronto police say they are investigating anti-Semitic graffiti reported in the city, a mezuzah that was stolen, and suspects banging on a door “making hateful remarks.”
Police said one incident happened on Oct. 21 in the Steeles and Dufferin streets area. A resident had reported their mezuzah was stolen, police said. A mezuzah is a small scroll that Jewish people put on the doorframe of their homes.
On Oct. 18, police said they received another report of suspects banging on their door and making hateful remarks. The incident happened near Wilmington and Sheppard avenues.
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Police said the investigation is ongoing. No suspect descriptions have been released.
The force also said officers are also aware of graffiti in multiple locations across Toronto.
“I can confirm there are reports on file and they are being investigated,” a Toronto police spokesperson told Global News. Police are encouraging any residents to report any hate-motivated incidents to them.
Meanwhile, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) called the incidents “disgusting.”
“There is no community in this city that should have to face this kind of harassment and intimidation that has been levelled at the Jewish community over the last two weeks,” said Jaime Kirzner-Roberts, the vice-president for CIJA in the Greater Toronto Area.
The City of Toronto told Global News it is “actively exploring steps to remove this hateful graffiti, as there is no space for hate in Toronto.”