Ottawa, February 1, 2013 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, and the Honourable Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources, issued the following statement condemning the abhorrent vandalism at the Mishkan HaTorah Yeshiva in Toronto.
Earlier this morning, students arrived at the Mishkan HaTorah Yeshiva in Toronto to find their school building defaced by hateful, anti-Semitic graffiti. Disturbingly, this is now the second time that the school has been targeted with anti-Semitic vandalism. This despicable act comes less than a week after International Holocaust Remembrance Day.We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, this act of hate against a respected educational institution. Any Any act of vandalism is deplorable, but vandalism directed against a specific religion or race is particularly loathsome and has no place in Canada, a peaceful, pluralistic nation that cherishes freedom of religion and the rule of law.Our Government continues to unequivocally condemn the ancient evil of anti-Semitism, both in Canada and abroad. We hope that the bigoted cowards responsible for this act of intimidation are caught and punished.Our thoughts and prayers are with the students and staff of the Mishkan HaTorah Yeshiva, the Jewish community in Toronto, and everyone who has been affected by these cowardly acts.Starting this year, Canada will chair the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). Holocaust education is essential to preventing the proliferation of anti-Semitism. We are proud that Canada will continue with a lead role in Holocaust education, combating anti-Semitism, sharing of best practices, and encouraging more countries to commit to Holocaust education and commemoration.We ask that anyone with any information please contact the authorities immediately, and we call on all Canadians to reject all forms of bigotry against people of faith.
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