Jewish Winnipegger fights hate by removing antisemitic and other offensive graffiti

Avrom Charach is a property manager in Winnipeg and a proud member of the city’s Jewish community. He has taken it upon himself to remove any graffiti that he deems hateful or offensive. His journey began in May when he saw a post on social media about graffiti that said “JewSS kill babies.” This sparked his determination to take action.

Initially, it took Charach about 14 or 15 minutes to remove a piece of hateful graffiti, but with practice, he has managed to cut that time down to about four minutes. He uses a special product to remove the graffiti, but it only works well in warm weather. Despite the challenges, he remains committed to his mission.

Charach has removed over 100 pieces of graffiti across Winnipeg, including swastikas and offensive language. He believes that by removing these symbols of hate, he is making the world a better place. He recalls a particularly poignant moment when he removed a swastika from the Ashkenazi Synagogue on Charles Street, ensuring that worshippers would not have to see a hate symbol during their prayers.

His efforts have not gone unnoticed, with organizations like B’nai B’rith Canada commending him for his work. Richard Robertson, the advocacy director of B’nai B’rith, acknowledges the importance of Charach’s actions but emphasizes the need to address the root causes of hatred and antisemitism.

Charach’s motivation comes from his upbringing in the Jewish community, which taught him to spread love, not hate. He is particularly disturbed by graffiti that references the Israel-Hamas conflict, as some of his relatives are serving in the Israeli army. Despite the political complexities of the situation, Charach remains focused on combating hate in his community.

In addition to antisemitic graffiti, Charach has also removed tags targeting the Black and Indigenous communities, as well as those using offensive language. He hopes that his work will inspire others to take action and make Winnipeg a place where everyone can feel safe and accepted.

For Charach, removing graffiti is more than just a task—it is a way to combat hate and make a positive impact on the world. He believes that every piece of graffiti he removes brings him one step closer to a better future for all. His dedication and passion for creating a more inclusive and loving community are truly inspiring.