National Holocaust Memorial in Ottawa defaced with ‘feed me’ graffiti
The Ottawa Police Service’s hate and bias crime unit is currently investigating a disturbing incident that occurred at the National Holocaust Monument. The concrete memorial, located on the Kichi Zibi Mikan near Lebreton Flats, was found defaced with red paint on Monday morning. The words “feed me” were painted in capital letters, sparking outrage and condemnation from various individuals and organizations.
Cleaning crews from the National Capital Commission, which oversees the monument, were quick to respond and began the process of removing the paint using pressure washers. Iddo Moed, Israel’s ambassador to Canada, expressed his dismay at the vandalism, labeling it as antisemitic. In an interview with CBC, he described the act as “pure hate against Jews.”
The motive behind the vandalism remains unclear, but some speculate that the phrase “feed me” may be a reference to the dire situation in Gaza. The United Nations recently declared Gaza as the “hungriest place on Earth,” with the entire population of two million people at risk of famine. Jens Laerke, a spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, highlighted the challenges faced in providing aid to Gaza due to restrictions and obstacles.
Lawrence Greenspon, a prominent Ottawa defence lawyer and co-chair of the National Holocaust Monument Committee, emphasized that Israel should not be blamed for the situation in Gaza. He pointed fingers at Hamas for impeding the delivery of aid to the enclave. Meanwhile, Ottawa Centre MP Yasir Naqvi and Conservative deputy leader Melissa Lantsman both condemned the vandalism as a disgraceful and antisemitic act.
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) also condemned the graffiti as vile and antisemitic. In light of the recent tensions in the region, CIJA’s media director Nicole Amiel urged for accountability and emphasized the need to address the targeting of the Jewish community in Canada.
As the investigation into this hateful act continues, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of standing against antisemitism and promoting unity and understanding in our communities. Such acts of vandalism not only deface physical monuments but also symbolize a larger issue of intolerance and hatred that must be confronted and addressed.
