Multiple swastikas and hateful symbols were discovered at a Winnipeg community centre during the final days of Hanukkah, prompting condemnation from Jewish community leaders and calls for action against rising antisemitism.
The Westdale Community Centre was defaced with at least five swastikas and the initials "MKY" spray-painted across two doors, walls, and ice rink fencing.
Centre president Brent McNeil discovered the vandalism Thursday, though social media posts indicated the graffiti appeared as early as Tuesday.
"The community centre is supposed to be a safe space for everybody, regardless of who they are," said McNeil.
This is the second incident in recent weeks.
A swastika was also painted on the facility's front door last month, requiring city crews to remove it.
Jewish Federation of Winnipeg president Jeff Lieberman characterized the vandalism as "pure hatred against the Jewish people" and highlighted the particularly painful timing during Hanukkah, which ran from December 25 to Thursday.
The incident extends beyond the immediate vicinity, with similar graffiti appearing on utility boxes, retail stores in a nearby shopping plaza, and a condominium parking garage.
Local authorities have been notified and city cleanup crews have been contacted to remove the offensive symbols.
Gustavo Zentner, Vice President of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) in Manitoba, emphasized the broader implications of such attacks.
"When we see a minority group being targeted, this is the call to action to all Winnipeggers, to all Manitobans, to all Canadians," said Zentner.
CIJA is collaborating with Winnipeg police on the investigation, treating the incident as a serious hate crime.
