Canadians gathered at Ottawa’s Holocaust Monument to condemn hate and call for unity after the site was defaced with red paint on June 9.
Canadians Gather in Solidarity at National Memorial
An interfaith vigil was held Sunday, June 16, at Ottawa’s National Holocaust Monument, bringing together Canadians in a united stand against hate. The event followed a disturbing act of vandalism that saw the solemn structure defaced just one week earlier.
Vandalism Sparks Outrage
On the morning of June 9, the monument—located near Lebreton Flats on Kichi Zibi Mikan—was found splashed with red paint. The words “FEED ME” were scrawled in large capital letters. While the exact motive remains unconfirmed, the message is believed to reference the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, described recently by the United Nations as the “hungriest place on Earth.”
Leaders Condemn Hate-Fueled Act
Political and community leaders swiftly condemned the vandalism. Ottawa Centre MP Yasir Naqvi, MPP Catherine McKenney, and prominent defence lawyer Lawrence Greenspon—who co-chairs the National Holocaust Monument Committee—called it an act of antisemitism.
“It’s a terrible event for the Jewish community, and deeply painful personally,” said Greenspon, whose father was a Holocaust survivor. “There is no place in Canada—especially not here—for this kind of hate crime.”
Faith Communities Join for Vigil
Sunday’s vigil was marked by prayers, reflection, and calls for peace. A Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg elder opened the event with traditional remarks, while members of Ottawa’s Christian and Jewish communities joined in solidarity.
“We must stand together against all forms of hatred,” said Yvan Mathieu, auxiliary bishop with the Archdiocese of Ottawa–Cornwall. “Violent gestures like this achieve nothing but more pain.”
Investigation Underway
The Ottawa Police Service’s hate and bias crime unit is actively investigating the incident. Authorities have not yet identified any suspects and are appealing to the public for information.
The monument has since been cleaned, but community members say the emotional and symbolic impact remains.
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