In a disturbing act of hatred, a historic synagogue in Winnipeg was vandalized with red swastikas spray-painted across its windows and walls in the early hours of January 2, 2026. The executive director of Congregation Shaarey Zedek has condemned the incident as a "cowardly" act designed to intimidate the Jewish community.
A Targeted Act of Intimidation
Police are investigating the hate-motivated crime, which occurred around 4:30 a.m. Surveillance footage captured a lone individual defacing the front entrance of the synagogue on Brock Street. Dr. Rena Secter Elbaze, the executive director, expressed profound disappointment, stating the act was particularly hurtful after the congregation had just completed a two-year renovation to enhance their spiritual home.
"I was disappointed because I feel that our synagogue is part of the fabric of the community," Dr. Elbaze told the National Post. "Somebody defacing it was very upsetting." The graffiti was discovered by the maintenance team, who promptly reported it to the Winnipeg Police Service.
Community Resilience Amid a National Trend
Despite the attempt to instill fear, the congregation demonstrated remarkable resilience. On the Saturday morning following the vandalism, between 180 and 200 people attended services, refusing to be cowed by the act of hatred. Dr. Elbaze noted that while security protocols were in place, the incident was a blow to Winnipeg's self-image as a welcoming cultural mosaic.
"It was just disappointing, because Winnipeg is supposed to be this lovely cultural mosaic where everybody supports each other," she said. The vandalism is not an isolated event but part of a worrying national trend of antisemitic attacks. Recent months have seen a synagogue fire-bombed in Montreal, a Jewish girls' school shot at in Toronto, and a Vancouver synagogue entrance set on fire.
"We feel like it's part of a bigger trend," Elbaze emphasized. "I want people to know that we should have zero tolerance, right? If they do it to us, they'll do it to someone else. So we really need to support each other."
Police Investigation and Broader Condemnation
The police investigation took a concerning turn when a review of video footage revealed the suspect had discarded a bag in the parking lot. This prompted a safety response, though Inspector Jen McKinnon later confirmed the item posed no risk to the public. Authorities continue to seek the individual responsible.
Jewish advocacy groups across Canada have voiced strong condemnation. Gustavo Zentner, vice president for Manitoba and Saskatchewan at the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, called the vandalism of the nearly 140-year-old congregation "deeply disturbing." He stressed that words from leaders are insufficient without concrete action to hold perpetrators accountable and address the roots of hatred.
Echoing this sentiment, the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center stated on social media that such incidents are the "predictable result of leaders failing to confront antisemitism with the seriousness and resolve it demands." The call for unity and decisive action against hate crimes grows louder as communities stand in solidarity with Congregation Shaarey Zedek.
