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Ottawa Jewish cemetery vandalized with swastikas and antisemitic slogans; “Antisemitism is a growing problem,” says B’nai BrithPosted On 10/23/09
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ottawa Jewish cemetery vandalized with swastikas and antisemitic slogans;
“Antisemitism is a growing problem,” says B’nai Brith
OTTAWA, October 23, 2009 – An Ottawa Jewish cemetery was vandalized with swastikas and antisemitic slogans on Wednesday evening. At least eight headstones were desecrated in the attack on Jewish Memorial Gardens. Just two years ago, a similar incident occurred at the Jewish cemetery on Bank Street.
“This attack on a defenseless cemetery reaches deep into the psyche of the entire Jewish community. Antisemitism is an ongoing problem right here in Canada, whether we want to admit that or not,” said Frank Dimant, Executive Vice President of B’nai Brith Canada. “As our Annual Audit of Antisemitic Incidents has shown, Jews are being singled out on a much more frequent basis than in the past.”
“We have been in touch with the community in Ottawa and are reaching out to the affected parties to lend whatever support we can after this tragic attack. As sad as it is to admit, this is just another incident in a long line of antisemitic activity intended to frighten and intimidate Jews in Canada.
“We trust that the police in Ottawa will treat this hate crime seriously and dedicate the proper resources to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. The professionals at B’nai Brith stand ready to assist the community and the police in every way possible.”
To report any acts of antisemitism, please call 1-800-892-2624. We have experts ready to take your calls 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week.
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For more information, please contact, Dan Rabkin, Communications Officer:
416-633-6224 X 140 / cell: 416-312-9173
B’nai Brith Canada has been active in Canada since 1875 as the Jewish community’s foremost human rights agency
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