For Immediate Release
March 11, 2002 — B’nai Brith Canada was saddened to learn today of the apparent act of violence against the Anshei Minsk Synagogue. A suspicious fire causing damages of approximately $100,000 might have been an attempt to destroy this important landmark.
B’nai Brith Canada contacted the police division in charge of the case to offer their assistance and were told that they are treating the incident as suspicious and will be investigating it thoroughly.
“In light of what is going in the Middle East suspicious acts like this one must be considered to be racist in nature and should be investigated as a hate crime,” said Toni Silberman, Ontario Regional Chair of the League for Human Rights.
“It is very disturbing that Toronto’s last remaining downtown orthodox synagogue might have been a target for hate mongers. It’s not only a piece of Toronto Jewish history, it’s a historical landmark,” commented Arieh Rosenblum, Ontario Regional Director of B’nai Brith Canada.
-30-
For further information and comment please contact Arieh Rosenblum, Ontario Regional Director at 416-529-4699
B’nai Brith has been active in Canada since 1875 as the community’s foremost advocacy and volunteer organization.
Institute for International Affairs
| Commission
on Jewish Culture
| Sports Corporation
| League
for Human Rights
| Publications
Press Releases
| Government Relations Office
| Centre for Community Action
| B’nai
Brith Foundation
The Jewish Tribune
| Links
| Canadian Jewish Law Students Association
| B’nai Brith Canada