By Daniel Koren

Media Coordinator

B'nai Brith Canada

Dec. 18, 2017



MONTREAL – At least two synagogues in the Montreal area – Beth Ora and Shaare Zedek – received antisemitic hate mail Monday that advocated for the genocide of Jewish people, B’nai Brith Canada has learned.

The letter, which strongly resembles Nazi propaganda, contained the phrase “Jewry Must Perish” and was accompanied by a bleeding Star of David with a swastika in its centre.

The Montreal Police Department has launched a full investigation.

B’nai Brith's Quebec office received two calls Monday to alert the organization of the incidents. An employee of Beth Ora said her first call for help was to B'nai Brith.

“At this holy time for Jews and Christians alike, we are reminded that we are members of one community, striving for the preservation of truth and freedom,” said Rabbi Alan W. Bright of Shaare Zedek. “Vile acts of this nature should never divide us. Rather, they should serve to remind us that we be steadfast in our convictions, consistent in our commitment and courageous in our endeavors to make Canada and the world a better place in which to live.”

Michael Mostyn, Chief Executive Officer of B’nai Brith Canada, was horrified by the deplorable message of hate.

“Sadly, we’ve seen the swastika make something of a comeback this year, defacing the walls of high schools, university campuses, and public property,” Mostyn said. “Today, it is more imperative than ever that we condemn this symbol of racism and hatred.”

Harvey Levine, B'nai Brith Quebec's Regional Director, is calling on Quebecers and Canadians from across the country to stand in solidarity with Montreal’s Jewish community in the wake of this reprehensible activity.

UPDATE: B'nai Brith has learned that four synagogues in Toronto have received exactly the same hate mail as the Montreal synagogues. Toronto police has launched an investigation.

UPDATE 2: Synagogues in Edmonton, Hamilton, and Kingston, Ont. also received the same hate mail, B'nai Brith has learned. Police departments in all three cities have been notified.

UPDATE 3: Synagogues in Calgary, Ottawa and Victoria also have received the same hate mail.

UPDATE 4: Temple Solomon (The Bagg Street Shul) in Montreal is the 14th reported synagogue to receive hate mail.