Toronto police are currently investigating the theft of multiple mezuzahs from Jewish homes for the second time this month. A mezuzah is a sacred parchment inscribed with scripture that is traditionally affixed to the doorpost of Jewish households.
The recent incident occurred on Christmas Day at a condo building in the Finch Avenue East and Bayview Avenue area, where four mezuzahs were reported missing from different units. Const. Cindy Chung confirmed that the Toronto police hate crime unit is involved in the investigation.
Among those affected is Holocaust survivor Nate Leipciger, who resides in the building. Feeling violated and anxious, Leipciger expressed his deep sadness over the incident and emphasized the need for proactive measures to address such acts of hatred.
This theft follows a similar incident earlier in the month, where approximately 20 mezuzahs were stolen from a senior housing complex. Both cases have sparked outrage and condemnation from Jewish organizations, calling for urgent action to combat antisemitism.
Statistics reveal a concerning trend of rising hate crimes targeting Toronto’s Jewish community. In 2024 alone, there were 177 reported incidents, marking a significant increase from previous years. The frequency of such incidents underscores the pressing need for greater vigilance and protection for vulnerable groups.
In response to the recent theft, representatives from the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto have offered support to affected residents. The community stands united against antisemitism, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts to combat hate and promote mutual respect.