National Holocaust Monument in Ottawa defaced with ‘feed me’ graffiti
The Ottawa Police Service’s hate and bias crime unit is currently conducting an investigation following the desecration of the National Holocaust Monument with red paint. The memorial, located on the Kichi Zibi Mikan near Lebreton Flats, was discovered splattered with red paint on Monday morning, along with the words “feed me” painted in capital letters. Cleaning crews from the National Capital Commission, which oversees the monument, were promptly dispatched to remove the paint using pressure washers.
Israel’s ambassador to Canada, Iddo Moed, condemned the vandalism as a blatant display of antisemitism. In an interview with CBC, Moed expressed his dismay, stating, “This is pure hate against Jews.” The act of defacing such a significant memorial dedicated to the memory of the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust is deeply troubling and offensive.
The identity and motives of the individuals responsible for this appalling act remain unknown. However, the slogan “feed me” appears to be a reference to the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, as described by the United Nations. Jens Laerke, a spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, highlighted the severe food insecurity facing the two million residents of Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian aid to alleviate their suffering.
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 crisis in Gaza. Greenspon attributed the impediments to aid delivery in Gaza to Hamas, the governing authority in the region, which has obstructed the distribution of essential supplies to the population.
The desecration of the National Holocaust Monument drew widespread condemnation from political figures and advocacy groups. Ottawa Centre MP Yasir Naqvi denounced the act as a disgraceful and antisemitic act of vandalism, emphasizing that defacing a memorial dedicated to the victims of Nazi atrocities is an expression of hate rather than legitimate protest. Conservative deputy leader Melissa Lantsman also condemned the vandalism as a disgusting and cowardly act, urging accountability for those responsible.
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), a Jewish advocacy organization, characterized the graffiti as vile and antisemitic, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by Canada’s Jewish community. In light of recent events, CIJA’s media director, Nicole Amiel, underscored the need to address antisemitism and distinguish it from political criticisms related to Israel.
The desecration of the National Holocaust Monument serves as a stark reminder of the enduring threat of antisemitism and the importance of preserving the memory of the Holocaust. As the investigation into this disturbing incident continues, it is crucial to uphold the values of tolerance, respect, and remembrance embodied by the monument.
