A disturbing act of vandalism targeting Jewish seniors in Toronto has sparked outrage across Canada and renewed calls for action against rising antisemitism. Over the weekend, mezuzahs were forcibly removed from 15–20 doorways at a Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) retirement residence in North York, prompting a hate-crime investigation by the Toronto Police Service.
Officials say the perpetrator struck at 6250 Bathurst Street, a building in the city’s Westminster neighborhood with a large community of elderly, Russian-speaking Jewish residents. Mezuzahs, small cases containing parchment inscribed with the Shema prayer, were ripped off doorframes, leaving tenants shaken and fearful in what should be a protected, peaceful environment.
City Councilor James Pasternak, who represents the area, called it “an act of hate directed at Jewish residents, seniors who deserve safety, stability, and dignity in their own homes.” After visiting the building and speaking with tenants, he said he was “shocked and disgusted” by the deliberate nature of the incident.
“These mezuzahs were firmly attached. It took effort to remove them,” Pasternak told CP24. “The residents feel violated. They have always lived openly, practiced their faith, and built a close-knit community here. This was a direct attack on their identity.”
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow condemned the vandalism as “an outrageous and vile act of antisemitism,” emphasizing that seniors in publicly supported housing “deserve to live in peace without fear of being targeted for being Jewish.”
Jewish community leaders echoed those concerns. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) stressed that a mezuzah is far more than an object, it is “a reminder of our faith, heritage, and identity.” Targeting seniors, the organisation said, “crosses a moral line,” and reflects a broader pattern in which antisemitic hostility has escalated from public spaces into private homes.
“We’ve seen hateful conduct go from shouting in the streets to targeting Jews outside our homes, and now into the hallways of our own buildings,” CIJA said, urging leaders to move from statements to concrete protective measures.
Toronto Police’s Hate Crime Unit continues to investigate and has appealed for information from the public.
CAM Responds With a Message of Courage: Join the #MezuzahChallenge
In the wake of the attack, the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) is calling on people worldwide to stand with Toronto’s Jewish seniors — and with Jewish communities everywhere — by participating in the #MezuzahChallenge.
The initiative encourages individuals, Jewish and non-Jewish alike, to display a mezuzah at home or to post a photo of one on social media as a visible symbol of solidarity, pride, and resistance to hate. CAM leaders say the campaign transforms a moment of fear into an opportunity for collective strength.
“The message must be clear: Jewish identity will not be erased, intimidated, or pushed behind closed doors,” CAM said. “When a mezuzah is torn down, we put up ten more. When hate targets the vulnerable, we respond with unity.”
The #MezuzahChallenge has already gained traction across North America, with community centres, synagogues, elected officials, and campus groups sharing images of mezuzahs and pledging support for the seniors affected.
CAM encourages participants to tag their posts with #MezuzahChallenge and #StandUpToAntisemitism, helping spread awareness and reinforcing that attacks on Jewish identity — whether in Toronto, Europe, or elsewhere — are met with a strong, united response.
For more information or to participate in the campaign, visit the Combat Antisemitism Movement’s channels and share your mezuzah photo to show that hate will not win.