Messages of hate were spray painted on the side walk in front of a Thornhill mosque Sunday night while worshippers attended Ramadan events inside.

York Regional Police’s Hate Crimes Unit confirmed they are investigating the anti-Arab messages that were scrawled in white spray paint in front of the Jaffari Community Centre.

Messages such as “Arabs go home” and “F*** Gaza” could still be seen on the sidewalk early Monday morning despite a janitor’s best efforts to remove the messages with a power washer.

Located near Bathurst St. and Rutherford Rd., the community centre is home to more than 2,000 members of the Islamic Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat of Toronto. The membership is comprised primarily, but not exclusively, of Shia Muslims of Indian origin from East Africa.

The vandalism comes as Israeli Defense Forces continue their ground assault against Hamas in the Gaza strip. More than 500 Palestinians, mainly civilians, have been killed since the military offensive began nearly two weeks ago. Twenty Israelis, including 18 soldiers, have also died.

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