Ottawa, January 17, 2011 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement condemning the acts of vandalism against several Montreal synagogues and a Jewish school this past weekend.
Any act of vandalism is deplorable. But vandalism against houses of worship of any faith, and places of learning, are particularly cowardly and hateful. I am also profoundly concerned that it was Jewish institutions that were targeted in these attacks. It reminds us that the threat of anti-Semitism still very much exists here in Canada.
Beth Rambam, Tifereth Beth David Jerusalem, Dorshei Emet and Beth Zion were among the synagogues targeted by vandals who threw rocks at the windows of the buildings, smashing several and causing thousands of dollars in damages. The Yavne Academy was also victimized by a cowardly act of vandalism.
Our government is deeply disturbed by the acts of individuals who promote this type of hatred within Canada and around the world.
The Government of Canada will continue to lead the fight against anti-Semitism, a uniquely durable and pernicious form of hatred.
As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I call on all Canadians to reject intolerance. All forms of racism, bigotry, and vandalism are unacceptable and completely contrary to Canada’s fundamental values of freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
For further information (media only), please contact:
Alykhan Velshi
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Alykhan.Velshi@cic.gc.ca
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
