Jewish groups condemn mezuzot destruction at Canadian university

Jewish groups have condemned the destruction of mezuzot at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario, during Rosh Hashanah, calling for a thorough investigation and stronger protections for Jewish students. Two mezuzot were smashed and torn from student residence doors. Hillel Ontario CEO Jay Solomon stated, “Jewish students have been targeted with hate and intimidation in the place they call home while at school,” noting this is part of a broader pattern of hostility on Canadian campuses. B’nai Brith Canada CEO Simon Wolle highlighted an uptick in mezuzah thefts and emphasized, “Jewish students, faculty, and community members deserve to feel safe expressing their identity.” The organization supports two private members’ bills in Parliament aimed at increasing penalties for mischief involving religious property and creating a separate offense for theft of culturally or religiously significant property. The university is investigating the incident with local police, and Jewish students organized a “mezuzah party” to replace the damaged items.