BC Police Release Image of Suspect in Anti-Semitic Graffiti Incident at Canada’s Oldest Synagogue

Victoria police are asking the public to help identify a suspect who is believed to be responsible for anti-Semitic graffiti at a local synagogue on Aug. 2, 2025. Victoria Police Department handout photo

Police in B.C. are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect after an incident involving anti-Semitic graffiti at a historic synagogue in Victoria.

The incident happened early on Aug. 2, at the Congregation Emanu-El Synagogue,  according to the Victoria Police Department (VicPD). Photos circulating on social media show an anti-Semitic message written in black, capital letters near the entrance to the synagogue.

Officers documented the graffiti, collected evidence, and then removed the graffiti, VicPD said in an Aug. 6 statement.

The synagogue has served as a place of worship in the city’s downtown since 1863, making it the oldest surviving synagogue in Canada, according to Parks Canada, which has designated the building a historic site.

Police have released a photo of a suspect that was taken between 5 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. on Aug. 2. The photo shows an individual standing under a tree wearing a black, long-sleeved top and black shorts. They are also wearing headphones, black socks, and grey and white running shoes with black laces.

VicPD is asking anyone who can identify the suspect to contact them.

The board at the Congregation Emanu-El Synagogue said they were “horrified and heartbroken” by the act.

“Anti-semitism has no place in Victoria, and we call on our neighbours and civic leaders to join us in condemning this act,” the board said in an Aug. 4 statement on social media.

The board said it contacted police “immediately” when the graffiti was discovered.

“The words were quickly covered, and have since been removed,” the statement said.

Premier David Eby offered his support to the congregation and police, calling it a “disgusting act of hate.”

“Antisemitism has no place in our communities - not now, not ever,” Eby said in an Aug. 3 post on X.

Reacting to the incident, B.C. Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger said the province stood with the “Jewish community, and with all people vulnerable to hate and violence.”

“Antisemitism has no place in British Columbia. Hate vandalism, speech and intimidation are not protected expressions — they are crimes and will be treated as such,” Krieger wrote in an Aug. 3 post on X.

Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto also commented publicly, saying she was “saddened and disappointed” to hear of the incident in a statement released on Aug. 6.

“This disturbing vandalism is deeply harmful,” she said, adding it did not represent the values of the Victoria community.

“I encourage anyone with knowledge of this matter to contact VicPD. I want the Jewish Community in Victoria to know that this behaviour is unacceptable, and my heart is with you,” the Mayor said.

The synagogue’s board said the congregation would “continue to stand here as a strong and thriving Jewish community committed to Jewish tradition, culture, education, and social action.”