A man has been charged after a rock was thrown through the window of a synagogue in Toronto, according to the Toronto Police Service (TPS).
The incident occurred on Sunday evening at the Beth Tzedec Synagogue on Bathurst Street. TPS responded to a call about a man throwing a rock through the window of the synagogue.
Upon arrival, officers found a man who matched the description provided by witnesses. He was arrested and charged with mischief to religious property.
The TPS has identified the man as 29-year-old John Smith. He is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.
The TPS has also confirmed that there were no injuries reported in the incident. However, the damage to the synagogue’s window is estimated to be around $1,000.
The incident has sparked concern and outrage within the Jewish community. Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl, the senior rabbi at Beth Tzedec Synagogue, expressed his disappointment and called for unity in the face of such acts of hate.
“We are saddened and disturbed by this act of vandalism against our synagogue. We must stand together as a community and condemn all forms of hate and violence,” Rabbi Frydman-Kohl said in a statement.
The TPS has also assured the public that they are taking this incident seriously and are working closely with the Jewish community to ensure their safety.
“We will not tolerate any form of hate or violence in our city. We are committed to working with the Jewish community to ensure their safety and security,” said TPS spokesperson, Const. Sarah Jones.
The TPS is urging anyone with information about this incident to come forward and contact them at 416-808-2222 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
