Calgary synagogue, schools defaced with swastikas

Uriel Heilman

(JTA) – Calgary police are treating the scrawling of a swastika on a synagogue and several local schools as a hate crime.

The graffiti, which included vulgar drawings and language, was discovered on the buildings last week and has since been removed, according to Canadian reports. Police reportedly are looking for three suspects based on surveillance video from the scene.

One of the defaced institutions, a Chabad-Lubavitch center, saw similar graffiti in 2010.

“I’m disgusted that the swastika, the most hateful symbol there is in our society, could possibly be spray-painted anywhere, never mind on a Jewish institution,” Judy Shapiro, associate executive director of the Calgary Jewish Federation, told the Calgary Herald.

ADVERTISEMENT: Looking for a Jewish camp? Visit OneHappyCamper.org and see if your child qualifies for $1000 of their first summer or introductory rates through BunkConnect, programs of Foundation for Jewish Camp.​