Members of the Toronto synagogue Adath Israel Congregation opened a plain-looking envelope to find a swastika and the words “Jewry must perish” , an occurrence that human rights organization B’nai Brith Canada says happens all too frequently.
B’nai Brith Canada reported that the same letter had been delivered to synagogues in Montreal, Hamilton and Edmonton. They’re aware of five letters in total, but York suspects there may be more.
B’nai Brith Canada representative Marty York said that the woman who handled the letter was “terrified” it could contain something poisonous.
The letter, featuring a full-page drawing of a swastika inside what appears to be a bleeding Star of David, left members of the congregation afraid for their safety.The various letters call for the genocide of Jewish people, contain the phrase “Jewry Must Perish” and are accompanied by a bleeding Star of David with a swastika in the centre.
The organization reported last spring they’d heard about more than 1,700 anti-Semitic incidents across Canada last year, the highest number yet.The group has been tracking anti-Semitic incidents since 1982, which is based on police data and calls to the group’s anti-hate hotline. Of the 1,728 incidents, 490 occurred in Ontario.
Police in the four cities are investigating.
B’nai Brith Canada CEO Michael Mostyn encouraged vigilance against Nazi symbolism in a press release.
