'It left a pit in my stomach': Racist, antisemitic graffiti found in Bond Lake

Thornhill resident Dennis Kalish left angered by graffiti in Richmond Hill

Yorkregion.com
April 13, 2022
Jeremy Grimaldi

Dennis Kalish could barely believe his eyes when, at his favourite part of his favourite walk, he found racist graffiti scrawled across a downed tree.

"It made me feel sick," he said about the sight. "Bond Lake happens to be my favourite walk. That area is particularly picturesque. I often take pictures there in all seasons. It left a pit in my stomach."

The black and blue spray paint, which he saw at about 12:30 p.m. on April 11 in Richmond Hill, depicted an anti-black slur and antisemitic symbols.

Kalish, who is of Jewish decent and said he’s experienced racism since his arrival in Canada in 1988, believes racism is becoming more prevalent in Canada, but it’s now coming from those who hide their identities, such as vandals and online accounts with fake names.

"There’s no shame, no accountability," Kalish said.

Kalish, who lives in Thornhill, said he’s seen antisemitic symbols on bus shelters, he’s witnessed his synagogue defaced and he’s seen people yelling obscenities at people walking around wearing kippah.

"This is what’s happening over here; it’s become so prevalent," he said.

York Regional Police Const. Amy Boudreau said the service is looking into the incident, which occurred quite close to Yonge Street.

Although she warned that it might have been kids who do not understand the impact something like this can have on the community, she said police continue to look for suspects.

She further noted police contacted Richmond Hill's public works department to request the city remove the offending images.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the force at 1-866-876-5423.