Urgent: Toronto Police Investigate Theft of Jewish Mezuzahs

URGENT UPDATE: Toronto Police are investigating a shocking theft of Jewish prayer scrolls, known as mezuzahs, from three condominiums in North York. The thefts occurred just before 12:30 p.m. on December 25, 2023, raising concerns about community safety and religious intolerance.

The mezuzahs, which contain sacred religious texts and are traditionally affixed to the doorposts of Jewish homes, were stolen from units located near Finch Avenue E. and Bayview Avenue. Toronto Police Service (TPS) spokesperson Ashley Visser confirmed the incident and stated that the hate crime unit has been notified. “Officers are investigating,” she added, noting that this is the first reported case of its kind at this particular location.

This troubling event adds to a growing pattern of anti-Semitic incidents in the area. Earlier this month, approximately 20 mezuzahs were reported stolen from a building managed by the Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation, located near Bathurst Street and Steeles Avenue W..

Toronto City Councillor James Pasternak condemned the thefts in a social media post, calling them “another example of the hate that has infected our city.” His remarks reflect a broader concern among community leaders regarding the safety and security of Jewish residents in Toronto.

The increasing frequency of such incidents has sparked outrage and fear within the community. Local residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. The police investigation is ongoing, and community members are encouraged to support one another during this difficult time.

As authorities work to recover the stolen mezuzahs and bring those responsible to justice, the situation remains fluid. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops, and share this information to raise awareness about the need for community solidarity against hate crimes.