Hunt for hate perpetrators against Calgary's Jewish community

A hate crime against Jewish community facilities and a Holocaust Memorial has prompted police to release surveillance photos in the hope of identifying whoever painted Swastikas and anti-Jewish slogans on buildings and signs on Saturday in Calgary.

CALGARY, Alberta - Police have expanded their hunt for someone who targeted Jewish institutions including a Holocaust war memorial, spray painting Swastikas and anti-Jewish graffiti which has caused substantial damage and upset members of the community. Extensive damage was caused at the Calgary Jewish Community Centre, the Holocaust Memorial and the Chabad Lubavitch Centre during the incident last Saturday. Police have now released surveillance camera photos in the hope someone will recognize an individual and a vehicle parked near one of the places which was damaged by the hate graffiti. "Overnight, between Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009, and Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009, unknown offender(s) spray painted numerous anti-Semitic slogans and signs on various locations in the communities of Pump Hill and Woodbine," said a police statement. "The graffiti appears to be targeting the Jewish community with slogans painted on the Calgary Jewish Centre and Holocaust memorial in Pump Hill, and the Chabad Lubavitch centre in Woodbine," police said. "Police have located surveillance footage taken at the Chabad Lubavitch centre in Woodbine at approximately 10 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009, that shows a man who may have information relating to the offences," police said. "The surveillance footage also shows a vehicle in the area approximately 10 minutes later. Police would like to trace the driver of this vehicle as they may have information that will assist the investigation," they said. Judy Shapiro, a public relations officer with the Calgary Jewish Community council said the graffiti caused extensive damage and was upsetting to the community. Anyone who can identify the person or the vehicle seen in the surveillance film is asked to come forward to help police solve the case.