Canada synagogues get hate mail saying ‘Jewry must perish’

B’nai Brith Canada described the threats as being “an eight on the frighten[ing] scale.”

By TAMARA ZIEVE, JTA
Updated: DECEMBER 20, 2017 23:15
Flyers stating "Jewry must perish." (photo credit: FRIENDS OF SIMON WIESENTHAL CENTER FOR HOLOCAUST STUDIES)
Flyers stating "Jewry must perish."
(photo credit: FRIENDS OF SIMON WIESENTHAL CENTER FOR HOLOCAUST STUDIES)
At least five synagogues in Canada received hate mail warning that “Jewry must perish,” according to B’nai Brith Canada.
The police were investigating the envelopes delivered on Monday to two synagogues in Montreal and others that were sent to Toronto, Edmonton and Hamilton. Each featured a drawing of a bleeding Star of David enclosing a Nazi swastika with the slogan “Jewry must perish.”
B’nai Brith Canada described the threats as being “an eight on the frighten scale.”
“Sadly, we’ve seen the swastika make something of a comeback this year,” said Michael Mostyn, CEO of B’nai Brith Canada.
Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center released a statement expressing its dismay over the antisemitic mailings.
“The timing of these incidents – as celebrations marking Chanukah and the ancient story of survival draw to a close for this year, while the Jewish community is still in shock from news of the violent deaths of two beloved community leaders – makes them all that more despicable,” said Avi Benlolo, president and CEO of Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center.
The organizations urged anyone with further information on the incidents to contact their local police departments as soon as possible.
Last month, Statistics Canada reported 221 hate crimes against Jews in Canada in 2016, up from 178 the previous year.


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