Investigations Underway for Antisemitic Vandalism in Ontario

Durham Regional Police are investigating anti-Semitic vandalism after a swastika was burned into the grass at Prince of Wales Park in Whitby, Ontario. The incident, reported last Friday, has drawn condemnation from local officials, including Mayor Elizabeth Roy, who emphasized that such acts of hate are intolerable in their diverse community. In a separate incident, a Black-owned farm in Westtown Township, Pennsylvania, also experienced similar vandalism, with a swastika spray-painted in its barn, raising concerns for the safety of its staff. The farm’s owner, Christa Barfield, highlighted that this was not the first instance of hate-related vandalism at her establishment. Both police departments are increasing patrols and appealing for witnesses as they investigate these hate crimes. Community responses include calls for vigilance and unity against such acts, with Barfield organizing a pop-up event to promote resilience against hate.