Toronto synagogue vandalized; outer glass doors and windows smashed

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Kehillat Shaarei Torah synagogue vandalized Photo: X DahliaKurtz

On May 18, 2024, the Toronto Police Service issued the following press release:

Suspected Hate-Motivated Mischief Investigation,

Case #: 2024-1061268 Published: Saturday, May 18, 2024, 1:53 PM

The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance identifying a male wanted in a suspected hate-motivated mischief investigation.

On Friday May 17, 2024, at approximately 3:30 a.m., police responded to a mischief call in the Bayview Avenue and Fifeshire Road area.

It is reported that:

the suspect attended a synagogue [Kehillat Shaarei Torah] and damaged the outer glass doors and windows

the suspect then fled the area

The suspect is described to be wearing a blue hooded jacket, black pants and back shoes.

An image has been released.

This investigation is being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offence.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-3500, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

When suspected hate-motivated offences are reported to police, the investigation could be led by a Divisional investigator with the support of the Hate Crime Unit (HCU), or in some cases, will be investigated exclusively by the HCU.

If it is alleged a criminal offence was committed (such as assault or mischief) and it is believed to have been motivated by bias, prejudice or hate, the officer-in-charge may consult with the Crown. If a person is charged and convicted of the offence, the Judge will take into consideration hate as an aggravating factor when imposing a sentence.

Wilful promotion of hatred and advocating genocide are hate propaganda (hate speech) offences which require the Attorney General’s consent to lay charges. These charges are often laid at a later time.

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