Pro-Hamas graffiti appears near shul in Calgary

by AJNews staff

(AJNews) – In Calgary, close to 1000 community members and friends participated in a Walk for Israel on Sunday July 28 sponsored by Calgary Jews Stand United together with most of the Jewish organizations in Calgary. It was designated as an event to show Israel solidarity and pride filled with Jewish joy, including music, inspiring speakers, refreshments, and more.

The night before, vandals painted hate graffiti and symbols associated with Hamas along the route – near Beth Tzedec synagogue – that had been designated for the Walk for Israel.

The slogan “The Flood is Coming” and graffiti of an inverted red triangle appeared along the walkway.

The inverted red triangle is linked to Hamas, which has used it on videos produced by its al-Qassam military wing to signify Israeli targets. It emerged as a symbol used by pro-Palestinian demonstrators in late 2023, following Hamas’ deadly invasion of Israel on Oct. 7.

Some pro-Palestinian advocates say the triangle symbolizes resistance, generally, and have used it as a pro-Palestinian signifier in their social media profiles. But critics say it represents a call to violence given its origins.

“Free Palestine” and the triangle appeared on a sound barrier along the designated route. David Inhaber, the synagogue’s CEO, said there was also graffiti daubed on an overpass. Both properties belong to the municipality.

“We had upwards of a thousand registrants and walk ups and at 1 p.m. yesterday, we commenced our march around the neighborhood,” Inhaber said. “I believe through advertising and media the route was shared on social media or simply leaked allowing for graffiti to be introduced the previous evening. It was adjacent to our property and along the route.”

Calgary Jewish Federation (CJF) stated on social media: “Images of Jewish hate and open death threats to our community were on display this weekend near a synagogue and Jewish day school, in an attempt to intimidate as our community walked for Israel and against antisemitism.

“The inverted triangle is a well-known Hamas death threat used to glorify violence and coupled with the words “the flood is coming” – the Hamas-named Al Aqsa flood referring to October 7 – emphasizes the insidious intent.

“As thousands gathered amongst the graffiti, Calgary’s Jewish community and our allies showed we will not back down in the face of hate.”

On social media, MP Shuv Majumdar stated, “Let’s be clear: defacing Beth Tzedec, a Jewish synagogue, is pure intimidation. We must always defend the freedom of all Canadians to worship in peace and protect innocents from monsters trafficking in violent ideologies. We will not be intimidated. We will call out anti-zionism and antisemitism at every turn. We choose freedom over fear.”

Inhaber said that the incident has been reported to the police.

CJF added, “Thank you to Calgary Police Service and Royal Canadian Mounted Police for ensuring that our community was able to gather safely in the face of these disturbing threats and Jew hate.”