Toronto authorities are currently looking into the theft of Jewish prayer scrolls from three condominiums in North York. The stolen items, known as mezuzahs, contain religious scriptures and are typically affixed to the doorframes of residences to signify the Jewish faith. The incident occurred just before 12:30 p.m. on Christmas day, with three mezuzahs disappearing from units near Finch Avenue E. and Bayview Avenue.
Ashley Visser, the Toronto Police Service (TPS) spokesperson, confirmed the incident and stated that the hate crime unit has been alerted and is actively investigating. Nate Leipciger, a Holocaust survivor residing in one of the targeted buildings, expressed his distress upon learning about the theft while he was away in Florida. Leipciger emphasized the significance of mezuzahs in identifying a Jewish household and lamented feeling less secure in his home following the incident.
Leipciger advocated for enhanced security measures, including the installation of security cameras, to prevent future occurrences. He stressed the importance of proactive measures to address such acts of vandalism. The recent incident marks the first time TPS has responded to such an event at this location, as per Visser.
Earlier this month, a similar incident involving the theft of around 20 mezuzahs was reported at a Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation building near Bathurst Street and Steeles Avenue W. Leipciger voiced concerns that these incidents may persist unless the perpetrators are identified and held accountable.
Councillor James Pasternak of York Centre condemned the thefts and denounced the prevalence of hate crimes in the city. He called for a thorough investigation to apprehend those responsible for the vandalism. Rabbi Jennifer Gorman of the Toronto Board of Rabbis, speaking at a Shabbat service for affected residents, highlighted the need for elected officials to ensure the freedom to practice one’s faith safely in public.
Holocaust survivor Judy Cohen urged unity among residents to combat similar acts of intolerance, emphasizing the need to address identity-based political issues. Councillor Shelley Carroll of Don Valley North, along with Mayor Olivia Chow, expressed solidarity with the affected community and emphasized the gravity of the incident, pledging to prioritize the investigation as a hate crime.
The community remains resilient amidst the challenges, striving to prevent future acts of vandalism and promote inclusivity and safety for all residents.