A Vancouver synagogue is set to hold its first service after an arson attack charred the building91裸聊视频檚 front door and left the Jewish community shaken.
Rabbi Andrew Rosenblatt says he anticipates the Schara Tzedeck synagogue on Oak Street will be 91裸聊视频渇uller than usual91裸聊视频� for Sabbath and he91裸聊视频檚 encouraging members of the congregation to turn out.
Rosenblatt says the arson attack in which someone used an accelerant to set a fire at the synagogue91裸聊视频檚 front door on Thursday night was a 91裸聊视频渃owardly91裸聊视频� act.
He says the more worshippers who fill the building, the better the deterrent against a repeat.
Vancouver police say they are investigating the incident as a possible hate crime and are mobilizing at Jewish sites around the city.
READ MORE:
READ MORE:
The fire, which Rosenblatt says was put out by a synagogue member with his jacket, blackened the door and left a strong smell of burning inside.
The attack comes after bullet holes were found at two Jewish schools in Montreal and Toronto in recent days.
No one was injured in the Vancouver attack or the other incidents.
Political leaders including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, British Columbia Premier David Eby and Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim condemned the attack.
Jewish community members say they are facing a rising wave of antisemitism since the Israel-Hamas conflict began in October.
91裸聊视频淲e can91裸聊视频檛 let it keep us from doing what we do,91裸聊视频� Rosenblatt said of the attack.
91裸聊视频淲e can91裸聊视频檛 let it deter our mission and hopefully, I anticipate that on Saturday this place is going to be fuller than usual, and it91裸聊视频檚 a sad state of affairs that that91裸聊视频檚 what brings people into the building.91裸聊视频�
Rosenblatt said he would like to see increased security around the synagogue and other Jewish facilities, but it should be done 91裸聊视频渨ithin reason91裸聊视频� given these are still community spaces that should feel welcoming.
91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 always a double-edged sword,91裸聊视频� he said. 91裸聊视频淭he more security you put, the more intimidating it looks for people coming to visit. So we91裸聊视频檙e trying to harden the target and soften the entrance. I91裸聊视频檓 not exactly sure how else to put it.91裸聊视频�
The Canadian Press
