Montreal police investigating antisemitic vandalism at Westmount synagogue

A Montreal rabbi is speaking out after she found antisemitic vandalism at a synagogue in Westmount.

In a video posted to Facebook on Sunday, Rabbi Lisa Grushcow said she found a swastika spray-painted on the side of Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom.

Montreal police say an investigation is underway.

In a post on X, Mayor Valérie Plante called the vandalism "unacceptable."

Grushcow said she wants to use the incident to spread awareness about antisemitism and share ways people can support their Jewish counterparts.

"I don't think this is the kind of thing that the silent majority sanctions," she said in an interview. "What I'm hoping is that the silent majority will get a little less silent."

She encouraged people to reach out to the Jewish community, send letters of support if they can, and speak up when they hear something hateful.

"When something like this happens, I hear from people, but so many of my congregates don't," she said. "It's been an incredibly isolating time."

Grushcow said antisemitism has been on the rise in Montreal. Most recently, a fire was set at a West Island synagogue in December.