The Chabad House of Halifax, Canada, directed by Rabbi Mendel and Bassie Feldman – shluchim to the Maritime provinces – was among three Jewish institutions in the city defaced with antisemitic graffiti over the weekend, including swastikas and the words “Jews did 9/11.”

By Anash.org reporter

The Chabad House of Halifax, Canada, directed by Rabbi Mendel and Bassie Feldman – Shluchim to the Maritime provinces – was one of three Jewish institutions in the city defaced with antisemitic graffiti over the weekend.

Halifax, the capital and largest municipality in Nova Scotia, awoke Sunday morning to the shocking sight of swastikas and the words “Jews did 9/11” spray-painted on three Jewish centers across the city.

“We haven’t experienced this until now in Halifax,” said Rabbi Yakov Kerzner of Beth Israel Shul, one of the institutions targeted. “But this is an escalation which does concern the Jewish community. It’s antisemitism, it’s pure anti-Jew hatred.”

Rabbi Mendel and Bassie Feldman have served as the Rebbe’s Shluchim in Halifax since 5755 (1995), when they established Chabad Lubavitch of the Maritimes. From their base in downtown Halifax, they’ve built a hub of Jewish life in the region that serves Jews of all ages across Nova Scotia and the surrounding provinces – students, families, the affiliated and unaffiliated alike.

The vandalism has shaken this close-knit community. Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston condemned the attacks in a statement Sunday, calling them “absolutely disgraceful.” He added, “I stand in support of our Jewish friends and neighbours who are shaken by this act of hate. This hatred has no place in Nova Scotia. I hope those responsible are caught and held accountable for their despicable actions.”

The Consulate General of Israel in Montreal also urged Canadian authorities “to respond urgently and swiftly.”

The graffiti appeared just one day after large demonstrations against Israel’s participation in the Davis Cup forced Canada’s tennis match with Israel to be played behind closed doors at Halifax’s Scotiabank Center. Protesters had clashed with fans, and organizers cited security concerns in their decision to ban spectators.

Halifax Regional Police released a photo of a man suspected of writing the antisemitic graffiti on Monday, adding that the individual had also defaced nearby sidewalks three separate times.

The incidents are being investigated as hate crimes, and police are conducting “extra patrols” at local shuls and Jewish institutions, according to the post.

“Directing hate to an entire section of our community is against the law, but most importantly, it does not represent the views of our city,” said Halifax Regional Police Chief Don MacLean in a statement. “The loudest voices are not always rooted in wisdom, fact or truth.”