Anti-Israel markings found in Richmond Hill underpass on Kersey Crescent

‘Second time in 10 days hate graffiti has been found in Ward 5’: councillor

Yorkregion.com
Oct. 19, 2023
Melissa Wallace

Hate-related graffiti has been discovered in Richmond Hill’s Ward 5 for “the second time in 10 days,” said Coun. Karen Cilevitz.

A resident spotted the graffiti in an underpass on Kersey Crescent and Brillinger Street while walking her dog on Oct. 17. She granted permission to share what she found with YorkRegion.com because “I think it’s important that more people see this, become aware and contact authorities when it does happen,” she said. “There’s far too much antisemitic graffiti appearing in York Region and it should be disturbing and frightening for all of us.”

The graffiti includes the phrases, “One genocide does not justify another” and “Free Palestine from the river to the sea” as well as a drawing of Handala, a national defiance symbol of the Palestinian people.

“‘From the river to the sea’ is a call to arms used by Hamas and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and others of the same ilk and intent to kill Jews and bring about the destruction of Israel,” said Cilevitz. “I will again be uploading this monstrosity to my social media pages ... I will not be silent and this must not be hidden.”

York Regional Police (YRP) said the investigation is ongoing.

“At this time, there are no witnesses to this incident and no suspect has been identified,” said York police Const. Maniva Armstrong.

On Oct. 7, red swastikas were found by another Richmond Hill resident at Westview Parkette and Morgan Boyle Park, located less than a mile from the most recent incident.

YRP said they have had at least eight calls for hate-motivated incidents since Oct. 7. They encourage the community to report hate crimes at 1-866-876-5423 or at hatecrime@yrp.ca. If it is an emergency and the hate crime is in progress, call 911.