TORONTO, ON –  In response to the discovery of antisemitic swastika graffiti spread across 6 locations at the University of Toronto, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), and Hillel Ontario issued the following statement condemning the incidents:

“We are deeply alarmed to hear of these disturbing incidents, which appear to be deliberate acts of hate rather than matters of casual or thoughtless graffiti. The swastika is a symbol of violence against Jews and hostility toward Canada’s democratic values. No student, Jewish or otherwise, should be forced to see their campus desecrated this way” said Berl Nadler, Co-chair of the CIJA Toronto Council.

“Jewish students at the University of Toronto have a right to feel safe on campus. This cowardly attempt at intimidation will not go unchallenged,” said Marc Newburgh, CEO of Hillel Ontario. “We expect that the University of Toronto administration will do everything in its power to ensure that campus remains a safe space for all Jewish students.”

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The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) is the advocacy agent of the Jewish Federations of Canada-UIA.

Hillel Ontario is the largest regional Hillel in North America, and works to amplify Jewish campus life across nine universities in the province.

For more information, please contact:

Sara Lefton
Vice President, Greater Toronto Area
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA)
slefton@cija.ca

Marc Newburgh
CEO
Hillel Ontario
marc.newburgh@hillelontario.org