Vancouver Synagogue Holds Service After Arson Attack
The Jewish community in Vancouver, British Columbia, came together on Sunday to hold a service at the Beth Israel Synagogue, just days after it was targeted in an arson attack.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night, when an unknown individual set fire to the synagogue’s front doors. The fire was quickly extinguished, but it caused significant damage to the entrance of the building.
Thankfully, no one was injured in the attack. However, the incident has left the Jewish community shaken and concerned for their safety.
In response to the attack, the synagogue held a service on Sunday morning, which was attended by members of the Jewish community as well as local politicians and religious leaders from other faiths.
Rabbi Jonathan Infeld, who led the service, spoke about the importance of coming together in the face of hate and violence. He also thanked the community for their support and solidarity.
The Vancouver Police Department is currently investigating the incident as a hate crime. They have released a surveillance video of the suspect and are asking for the public’s help in identifying the individual.
In a statement, Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart condemned the attack, saying, “This act of hate and violence has no place in our city. We stand with the Jewish community and will do everything in our power to bring the perpetrator to justice.”
The Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver has also expressed their outrage and called for increased security measures to protect the Jewish community.
This is not the first time the Beth Israel Synagogue has been targeted. In 2019, the building was vandalized with anti-Semitic graffiti.
The Jewish community in Vancouver is resilient and will not be intimidated by these acts of hate. They will continue to come together and stand strong against all forms of discrimination and violence.
As the investigation into the arson attack continues, the community is hopeful that the perpetrator will be brought to justice and that measures will be taken to prevent future attacks.
In the meantime, the Beth Israel Synagogue will continue to hold services and events, showing that hate will not deter them from practicing their faith.
