Jewish prayer scrolls removed from doorways of units in Toronto condo; second such incident this month

For the second time this month, Jewish prayer scrolls have been removed from the doorways of a residential building in Toronto.

Toronto police told CP24 that they received a radio call just before 12:30 p.m. today “in response of three mezuzahs taken from three condo units” in North York.

Police later said there were in fact four mezuzahs taken from four separate units.

Mezuzahs are parchment scrolls inscribed with Hebrew verses from The Torah, traditionally affixed to the doorways of Jewish homes as a blessing.

“Officers are investigating and the Hate Crime Unit has been notified,” Const. Ashley Visser said.

Visser would only say that the building in question is located near Finch Avenue East and Bayview.

Local councillor speaking out

York Centre Coun. James Pasternak shared details about this latest incident in a post on X on Christmas Day.

Calling what occurred “disturbing,” the Ward 6 representative said it occurred at a seniors’ residence on Bayview Avenue on Dec. 25, saying that mezuzahs were “ripped” from the doorways of several units in the building.

Pasternak noted that the affected residence is home to many Jewish residents, including Holocaust survivors.

“This was the second such incident reported in the area within weeks, following a similar act earlier this month,” he said, adding Toronto police are investigating the incident as a “potential hate crime.”

• READ MORE: Suspected hate-motivated investigation underway after about 20 Jewish prayer scrolls stolen from homes in North York: Toronto police

Pasternak went on to say that community members and residents are concerned about the impact of these targeted acts, especially on seniors.

“This case of mezuzahs being vandalized is another example of the hate that has infected our city, often a result of incitement from the mobs on the streets and online hate. There must be a universal condemnation of these acts,” he said.

“And there must be consequences. The chants on the streets and the feeling of lawlessness is leading Toronto to the abyss.”

‘Vile and unacceptable’: Mayor Chow

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow reacted to the removals of the mezuzahs on social media on Friday.

“This is the second time this month that mezuzahs have been torn from people’s doorways in North York,” she wrote. “This is a vile and unacceptable act of antisemitism targeting Jewish seniors and families. Jewish Torontonians deserve to live in peace without fear of being targeted or their doorways vandalized.”