Racism in Vaughan causes concerns

Anti-Semitic graffiti and vandalism on the rise as police and community leaders rise up

Following the swastikas drawn on several homes in Vaughan and the vandalization of a Jewish cemetery, new acts of anti-Semitic vandalism have taken place in the GTA; at the same time, though, police investigations are bearing fruits.
The York Region Police has arrested two youngsters, aged 13 and 14 respectively, who had harassed several Vaughan residents over the phone with racist comments and threats. One of them will be referred to the Youth Criminal Justice Act Referral Programme, while the other will be charged with uttering death threats and harassment.
Meanwhile episodes of anti-Semitism continue. Last Tuesday the Chabad Lubavitch Centre in Vaughan reported to the police that on the previous Friday some eggs had been thrown against the façade of the synagogue at 770 Chabad Gate in Thornhill.
On Monday several swastikas and other writings had been found on the doors of two schools, Pleasantville Public on Mill Street and St. Elizabeth Catholic High on New Westminster Drive.
"I don't think this is child's play," says Rabbi Zalman Aaron Grossbaum who runs the centre. "All these events, and particularly the devastation of the tombs at the Bathurst Lawn Memorial Park, make me think that this is the work of adults who have a deep hatred for Jews."
We asked him whether he thought that these episodes were linked to current events in the Middle East or to some neo-Nazi group.
"Neither one nor the other, I'd say," he replied. "The Palestinian question has been open for years, but this wave of anti-Semitic hate came at the same time as the release of the movie The Passion of the Christ, and this worries me a lot."
The York Region police does not believe in a link between the vandalism and the threatening phone calls that led to the arrest of the two boys. "As far as vandalism is concerned," declared spokesperson Kathleen Griffin, "investigations continue on a wide front. We cannot rule out the possibility that this is the work of some kids, or confirm whether this is someone with serious problems with the Jewish community." Anyway, Chief La Barge ordered further security measures for potential objectives, with patrols and unmarked cars and the assistance of the helicopter.
A stern condemnation came from the York Region Community Council, an organization that the police chief often consults, composed of members of all ethnic, cultural and religious groups. "The York Region is home to a multitude of cultures, with over 70 languages spoken," remarked Council chair David Jeanneret. "The strength of our region, our common home, is our ability to work and live together in a spirit of co-operation and mutual respect. The actions of a handful of ignoramuses is an insult to all of us. We ask all the communities in the York Region to express their support for the Jewish community. We must never forget that any attack on one of us is an attack on all of us."
The York police asks anyone having useful information and tips on this delicate investigation to get in touch by calling 1.866.876.5423, ext. 7241, or Crime Stoppers at 1.800.222.TIPS.
Concerns are increasing, and the rejection of any form of racism was expressed in a candlelight vigil held at the Thorncliffe Park Public School, celebrating the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
On the following day, representatives of all police forces involved in the investigations on the recent episodes, politicians of all governmental levels and representatives of the Canadian Jewish Congress met at the Leah Posluns Theatre (4588 Bathurst Street) and discussed eventual actions.
"Our teacher" continued rabbi Grossbaum, "taught us that darkness cannot be defeated with a club but with light, so we decided to shine light over the Jewish community. On Sunday, March 28, a parade will start at 11 a.m. from our centre at 770 Chabad Gate, moving through the areas where Jews live, carrying Passover greetings and distributing lectures on the meaning of the Passover."

Publication Date: 2004-03-28
Story Location: http://tandemnews.com/viewstory.php?storyid=3809