Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) is pleased to see action being taken in the case of antisemitic vandalism against an Owen Sound synagogue.  

On Sunday, Toronto Police located and arrested a male suspect accused of writing hateful and threatening messages on the door of Beth Ezekiel congregation early last month. Paul Swanek, 60, of Toronto is said to have no known connections to Owen Sound and was apparently in town for a only few days, allegedly returning to Toronto after committing the offence.

“Antisemitic harassment has no place in Canada, especially against a place of worship,” said FSWC President and CEO Avi Benlolo. “We commend police in Owen Sound and Toronto for working cooperatively to identify the suspect and for sending a strong message that acts of hate will not be tolerated.”

Swanek has been charged with mischief relating to religious property and uttering threats.