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Toronto police are investigating a second antisemitic attack in less than a month in the North York district after vandals ripped mezuzahs from apartment doors in a seniors’ residence on Thursday.
The Toronto Police Service confirmed that three mezuzahs were torn from doorframes at a building on Bayview Avenue, which houses many Jewish seniors, including Holocaust survivors.
Repeat Targeting of Jewish Seniors
York Centre Councillor James Pasternak said the vandalism marks the second such incident in December at a Toronto seniors’ residence.
“This case of mezuzahs being vandalized is another example of the hate that has infected our city,” Pasternak said. He pointed to online incitement and street-level hostility as driving forces behind such acts.
Moreover, Pasternak warned that silence enabled escalation. “There must be universal condemnation of these acts. And there must be consequences,” he said, adding that growing lawlessness threatened the city’s social fabric.
Over the holidays, a disturbing incident took place at a seniors’ residence in North York. On Christmas Day, mezuzahs were ripped from the doorways of multiple units at a building on Bayview Avenue, where many Jewish residents live, including Holocaust survivors. This was the… pic.twitter.com/vRyACSqf3B
— James Pasternak (@PasternakTO) December 26, 2025
Earlier December Attack Still Under Investigation
This latest incident follows a similar attack on December 7. During that episode, vandals tore 20 mezuzahs from doorposts in another seniors’ apartment building, according to police. As of the publication of this article, investigators have not announced arrests in either case. Nevertheless, the repeated targeting of religious symbols at seniors’ residences reflects deliberate intimidation.
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) noted that the attack occurred as Christmas celebrations began across the city. The organization stressed that Jewish residents continued to face hate crimes during public holidays and called for firm action by authorities.
Jewish Organizations Warn of Normalized Antisemitism
Meanwhile, B’nai Brith Canada said the rising frequency of mezuzah vandalism showed how antisemitism has become increasingly normalized. “The intent of the perpetrators is clear: Jews are not welcome and do not belong in our communities,” the organization said.
Mezuzahs are not decorative items, but sacred Jewish symbols placed on doorposts to mark a Jewish home. When attackers remove them, they send a direct message of exclusion and hostility.
Mayor Condemns ‘Vile Act of Antisemitism’
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow condemned the incident in unequivocal terms. “This is an outrageous and vile act of antisemitism,” Chow said. “This is a public supportive housing building for seniors. They deserve to live in peace without fear of being targeted for being Jewish.”
CAM’s #MezuzahChallenge
In response to the first mezuzah vandalism incident earlier this month, the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) launched the #MezuzahChallenge, encouraging people to share images of mezuzahs alongside messages rejecting antisemitism.
The initiative seeks to counter intimidation with visibility, using Jewish symbols to affirm pride, resilience, and solidarity with those targeted. Participants from across communities have joined the effort, underscoring that attacks on Jewish identity will be met with collective resolve.
Take Action
CAM has launched Report It — a secure app to report antisemitic incidents anonymously and in real time. Don’t stay silent — download it today on the Apple Store or Google Play. See it. Report it. Stop it. Together, we can fight this hate.
