Incendiary device thrown at Vancouver synagogue, Jewish Federation says

An incendiary device was thrown at a Vancouver synagogue Thursday night, leading to increased police presence at local institutions, the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver says.

In a statement shared online Thursday, the federation said the device was thrown at Schara Tzedeck synagogue on Oak Street at about 9:30 p.m. According to the federation, nobody was injured and damage to the building was minor.

The federation called the incident a "deliberate act of hate" that was intended to "intimidate" the Jewish community.

"We refuse to be intimidated or to hide. Our community is resilient, and we are proud to be an important part of the multicultural fabric of our city, our province and our country," the federation said in its statement.

In a statement on social media, Premier David Eby called the incident a "disgusting act of antisemitism," adding it's "reprehensible and has absolutely no place in B.C."

"We stand with the Jewish community in B.C. and unequivocally condemn antisemitism and all forms of hatred," Eby's statement said, adding he was relieved to hear nobody was hurt.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also called the incident a "disgusting act of antisemitism" on social media.

"We cannot let this hate or these acts of violence stand," he wrote. "This is not the Canada we want to be."

In his own statement, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said the city is one "that prides itself on its diversity, inclusivity, and respect for all communities."

"We will not tolerate acts of hatred and violence against any group," Sim said. "To our Jewish community - we stand shoulder to shoulder with you. Let there be no doubt: this was a hateful act of anti-Semitism. Together, we will rise above this act of hate and continue to work towards a city where everyone feels safe and respected."

Canada's special envoy for combating antisemitism, Deborah Lyons, called the incident "horrible news" and said on social media that "incendiary rhetoric leads to incendiary violence."

"Three Jewish institutions in three major cities this week have been attacked, and more over the months since Hamas's horrific massacre on Oct. 7. There is no excuse for silence or inaction," her social media post said.

She said the law must be enforced and "incidents of hate" could not go unanswered.

"It means that incitement and violent rhetoric must be met with consequences. It means that capitulation to unreasonable or threatening demands must end," Lyons wrote.

The Vancouver Police Department said it's investigating the arson as a possible hate crime.

"This fire was intentionally set at a place of worship for the Jewish community," Const. Tania Visintin said in a news release. "While we collect evidence to identify the person responsible, we're also working closely with faith leaders and community members to ensure everyone's safety."

The VPD said members of the synagogue put the fire out before it could spread.

The Jewish Federation said the VPD and a Vancouver fire inspector did a thorough search of the building and determined it was safe to reopen.

The VPD said extra officers are being positioned at specific locations in the city, including synagogues, Jewish community centres and religious schools.

"We're doing everything in our power to solve this crime, while providing reassurance, comfort, and safety to the community," Visintin said. "We will continue to have an higher police presence in strategic locations throughout the coming days, as this investigation unfolds." 

With files from The Canadian Press