Vaughan mayor, Ontario Liberal leader denounce anti-Semitic graffiti at Thornhill school

YRDSB trustee says teaching about the Holocaust in schools would be best tactic against anti-Semitism

yorkregion.com
Aug. 23, 2021
Dina Al-Shibeeb

Vaughan mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Ontario Liberal leader Steven Del Duca both condemned anti-Semitic graffiti found at Charlton Public School in Thornhill.

At least three spots around the Greater Toronto Area, the elementary school, a synagogue and a bus shelter, have all been targeted with anti-Semitic messages this week. Police investigators are searching for at least one suspect.

"I'm deeply disturbed by a rise in antisemitic incidents in Ontario," Del Duca tweeted Thursday. "Several structures, including a school in Thornhill and a Synagogue in #TOStPauls, have been defaced with swastikas."

"Ontario Liberals condemn these acts and stand in solidarity with the Jewish community."

The Liberal leader also reacted when reports emerged of anti-Semitic vandalism taking place at several homes in the Toronto-St. Paul’s community.

"I'm disgusted by the continued incidents of antisemitic vandalism in our province," he said. "These attacks cannot be tolerated in our society."

Vaughan mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua also tweeted Aug. 18 against the vandalism at the Thornhill school.

"I strongly condemn all acts of anti-Semitism," he wrote in a post on Twitter. "It is unacceptable and has no place in our city. Today, anti-Semitic graffiti was found on the outside the walls of a Thornhill school. This act of hate is disturbing."

"Our community will not tolerate anti-Semitism or hate of any kind. In Vaughan, we continue to stand up against all forms of discrimination, hatred and racism."

York Region District School Board Trustee David Sherman also tweeted in reaction, stressing that Holocaust education should be prioritized to fight anti-Semitism.

York Region Jews working to combat 'unprecedented' rise in anti-Semitism

"I am saddened about the antisemitic graffiti recently found on Charlton Public School," Sherman wrote on Twitter. "However, I am hopeful, because we have the solution. We know that Holocaust education works and is our first line of defence in the fight against anti-Semitism."