Important Community Update

 

Over the past few days, synagogues across the country – including two in our community – received anti-Semitic hate mail. On Monday we alerted community organizations and reminded them to follow their established security protocols. While the police investigation is ongoing, these incidents are likely part of a pattern targeting minority communities.

 

In addition, a member of our community reported an anti-Semitic incident at her home last night, which the Vancouver Police Department’s Hate Crimes Team (VPD) is investigating. Daniel Heydenrych, our Director of Security, is working closely with the family, their synagogue, and the VPD.

 

Should an additional incident occur, the first thing you should do is call the VPD’s non-emergency line at 604.717.3321 to file a police report. You are also encouraged to contact Daniel Heydenrych, our Director of Security at 604.362.5706. We caution against amplifying these incidents in the media or social media, which provides those behind these anti-Semitic acts with a platform to advance their goals of sowing fear and anxiety in our community.

 

We are committed to working with community organizations and law enforcement, and we will share additional information with you as it becomes available.

 

Sincerely,

 

Karen James
Board Chair
Bernard Pinsky
Chair, Security Advisory Committee

 
Ezra S. Shanken
Chief Executive Officer