Saskatoon Synagogue Allegedly Egged During Shabbat Service; Police Not Investigating

Congregation Agudas Israel Synagogue in Saskatoon experienced alleged vandalism during a recent Shabbat service, with eggs reportedly thrown at its doors and windows. Cars in the synagogue's parking lot were also said to have been vandalized.

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It is difficult not to feel afraid after what we experienced this morning.

Rabbi Claudio Jodorkovsky shared his distress on social media, noting that a child inside the place of worship witnessed the incident. He emphasized the potential escalation of hate, stating, "Hatred rarely begins with extreme violence. It starts with vandalism and intimidation, then grows, especially when there is no action taken or no condemnation."

The rabbi urged local, provincial, and federal leaders in Saskatoon to support the Jewish-Canadian community and drew comparisons to alleged targeted attacks against Jewish-owned businesses in Toronto and Montreal. He stressed that dismissing "minor" expressions of hate could lead to more dangerous outcomes.

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Hatred rarely begins with extreme violence. It starts with vandalism and intimidation, then grows, especially when there is no action taken or no condemnation. History has taught us that dismissing ‘minor’ expressions of hate lead to something far more dangerous.

Saskatoon Mayor Cynthia Block called the incident "deeply troubling," asserting that such acts undermine the city's values of respect and inclusion. She stated, "Saskatoon is strongest when we stand together in support of one another. We will not allow acts of hate or intimidation to define who we are as a community."

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Acts that target people because of their faith undermine the values of respect, inclusion, and belonging that Saskatoon strives to uphold.

However, the Saskatoon Police Service indicated that they have not yet received a report that aligns with the synagogue's allegations and are therefore not investigating at this time.

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Saskatoon is strongest when we stand together in support of one another. We will not allow acts of hate or intimidation to define who we are as a community.