By Joseph Marshall
A Saskatoon synagogue was attacked during Shabbos services Saturday morning when eggs were thrown at the building, a memorial and vehicles belonging to worshippers.
Eggs struck the entrances, walls and windows of Congregation Agudas Israel while members of the community were praying inside. No one was injured.
Children inside the building reportedly saw an individual near the synagogue’s main entrance after a congregant heard a noise outside. The congregation continued its services as the attack unfolded.
Synagogue leaders said the building was deliberately targeted and described the incident as an anti-Jewish attack.
“This was not random,” synagogue co-president Robert Englebert told local media, pointing to the timing of the incident, the location and the fact that vehicles belonging to people attending Shabbos services were also hit.
The synagogue said surveillance footage was being reviewed and information was being collected from witnesses. No suspect description has been released and no arrests have been announced.
There was some confusion Tuesday over the status of the police investigation. Synagogue officials said police had been contacted, while Saskatoon police told Global News that a formal report matching the incident had not yet been received. The synagogue is now reviewing its security procedures and is expected to hire a guard for future services.
This is the second anti-Jewish attack against Congregation Agudas Israel.
In April 2002, a Molotov cocktail was thrown into the lower level of the synagogue, setting fire to the building and destroying the David Avol Memorial Library. No one was inside at the time and there were no injuries. The library was later rebuilt.
Synagogue leaders said Saturday’s egging could not be dismissed as a harmless prank, particularly given the building’s history and the growing number of attacks against Jewish institutions across Canada.
Saskatoon Mayor Cynthia Block called the incident deeply troubling and said attacks against people because of their faith undermine the city’s sense of belonging and respect.
Representatives of Multi-Faith Saskatoon also visited the synagogue to express their support.
B’nai Brith Canada condemned the attack, saying anti-Jewish intimidation has become increasingly normalized and calling on governments to take stronger action.
Congregation Agudas Israel said political leaders must do more than issue another statement declaring that hatred has no place in Canada.
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