Montreal police arrested a man Wednesday, who is suspected of damaging the largest synagogue in the area, preferred by the late singer Leonard Cohen.
Local police arrested a 28-year-old man who was caught destroying Shaar Hashomayim synagogue with swastikas and planning to set the temple on fire. The suspect appears to be suffering from mental health issues and is expected to appear before a judge sometime Thursday.
Police arrest the suspect in front of Shaar Hashomayim synagogue
The suspect was arrested after being held by synagogue guards, one of whom spotted the man painting Nazi symbols on the doors and carrying a packet of gasoline.
Rabbi Shaar Hashomayim, Adam Scheier, said he saw the suspect shortly after his arrest.
“When I arrived at the synagogue, the man was in the [police] car, “Scheier said.” I looked at the security cameras and saw that the man had lowered the gas tank to shower over the doors of the synagogue. Fortunately, that was all he did. “
Famous Jewish singer Leonard Cohen would pray at Shaar Hashomayim temple
(Photo: EPA)
“No one is surprised by another anti-Semitic attack on one of the love centers in our community,” Scheier said. “He is aware of vulnerability and fear. But it is important for me to make it clear that we have received support from the community and clergy from all faiths.”
The Jewish community in Canada strongly criticized the act. “This attack is aimed at the entire community, and at those who embrace the values of tolerance,” said the statement released by the Jewish Alliances of Canada.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also criticized the attack on his Twitter page.
“It simply came to our notice then. I condemn this act of violence in the strongest possible terms and stand united by the @ShaarHashomayim Congregation, Rabbi @AdamScheier, and Jewish Canadians across the country. We must always reject anti-Semitic hatred, no matter when or where it comes from, ”Trudeau wrote.