Swastika spray-painted on Westmount synagogue: Montreal police investigating

Montreal police are investigating an incident of anti-Semitic vandalism after a swastika was spray-painted on the side of the Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom in Westmount over the weekend. The synagogue is one of the oldest in the city – part of Montreal’s history since 1882 and has been located  on Sherbrooke Street in Westmount since 1911.

Rabbi Lisa Grushcow addressed the incident in a notice to the congregation, choosing not to share images of the defaced synagogue. “Antisemitism is already sufficiently present in our media,” she said, noting that the graffiti was swiftly removed. She also called on Montrealers to take this opportunity to build bridges with the Jewish community, urging people to reach out to Jewish friends and neighbors, visit a Holocaust Museum, speak out against anti-Jewish remarks, and stand as allies to the Jewish community.

“See if your local synagogue would welcome your presence at services — and, if you go, pay attention to the security precautions we have to take. Tell us you’ve come to show support. Come see what we love about Jewish life,” Grushcow said in a video posted to the synagogue’s Facebook page.

The act of vandalism has garnered widespread condemnation. Montreal MP Anthony Housefather called the act “revolting,” stating in a post on X that it is unacceptable to see such hate in 2025. Grushcow expressed her gratitude for Housefather’s support, while also calling for more non-Jewish people to show solidarity with the Jewish community.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante also condemned the incident, emphasizing that such attacks have no place in the city. “Such attacks are unacceptable in our metropolis and I can assure Rabbi Lisa Grushcow that the SPVM is investigating,” she wrote on social media. “We must all unite and denounce all forms of anti-Semitism.”

The Montreal police (SPVM) are actively investigating the incident, checking camera footage for potential suspects.

In her statement to the community, Rabbi Grushcow highlighted the rise in anti-Semitic incidents both locally and globally. “This is in keeping with the rise in antisemitism which we have seen in our city and around the world,” she said. “We are in active communication and cooperation with other synagogues and Federation, as well as our political representatives and the broader community.” She reassured members of the congregation that despite the incident, Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom remains a safe space for all.

According to recent data from the SPVM, hate crimes targeting the Jewish community have been on the rise. From October 7, 2023, to February 12, 2025, a total of 336 hate crimes were reported in Montreal, with 252 of those directed at the Jewish community.

Another 84 hate crimes were reported against the Arab-Muslim community.

“Most important, we have every confidence that despite this cowardly act, Temple continues to be a safe place for us to gather. The people propagating hate want to cause fear and isolation, to undermine community and Jewish identity. We have no intention of letting them succeed,” Grushcow added.