Police chief condemns anti-Semitic language spray-painted on Toronto church

Toronto’s police chief acknowledged an investigation is underway after a historic church was desecrated with anti-Semitic and homophobic graffiti last week.

James Ramer confirmed the “hate-motivated” incident in a tweet on Monday, saying these “events are too common in our city,” also noting that the force has increased patrols in surrounding areas.

Toronto Police confirm with CityNews that the vandalism occurred at Metropolitan United Church on Queen Street East, near the Eaton Centre. A reverend at the church confirmed he graffiti was spray-painted on March 4.

Const. Rob Reid says investigators were called to the church around 1 p.m. to investigate reports of graffiti “believed to have been perpetrated by unknown parties sometime over this past weekend.”

“Our investigating officers quickly determined the graffiti was both anti-Semitic and homophobic in nature and immediately began an investigation,” Reid said. “As part of this investigation, the Toronto Police Hate Crime Unit has been engaged and will be offering their guidance and support to the Divisional investigators as they work the case.”

Reid says no suspects have been identified as the investigation is still in its early stages.

“There will be an increase in uniform police patrols of this area and others where similar incidents have taken place.”

Designed by Henry Langley and constructed in 1872, Metropolitan United Church is considered one of the largest and most prominent of the United Church of Canada.

The church says they are now working to have the graffiti removed.

Metropolitan United Church in Toronto is considered one of the largest and most prominent churches of the United Church of Canada. Photo courtesy: Metropolitan United Church Facebook.

Anti-Semitic vandalism, acts a common issue at Toronto schools

The most recent incident in Toronto follows a string of reported incidents involving anti-Semitic acts — particularly at city schools.

Last week, chief Ramer confirmed that officers received reports of anti-Semitic graffiti discovered outside three schools — Central Technical High School, Malvern Collegiate Institute and Rosedale Heights School — all occurring on the same day, on March 2.

A spokesperson for the Toronto Police Service said all three incidents involved anti-Semitic language.

This also comes after alleged incidents on February 1 at Toren Charles H. Best Middle School on Wilmington Avenue near Dufferin Street and Finch Avenue West.

In that case, Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) said a parent informed the organization that students displayed swastikas in a classroom. On another occasion, students performed the Hitler salute in front of classmates.

A Toronto District School Board spokesperson said the Hitler salute was done in front of a Jewish student and the other incident involved the “construction of a swastika” at the school.