Police launch hate crime probe after anti-Semitic notes found at North York condo

Toronto police say they are now investigating the anti-Semitic notes found on doors insidea North York condo as a possible hate crime.

Someone also removed themezuzah, a carving with a Hebrew verse, from the front doors of several residents.

Officers were first called to an apartment building in the Beecroft Road and Ellerslie Avenue area, near Yonge Street and Finch Avenue, about a potential case of vandalismat about 9 p.m. on Sunday.

• 'No Jews': Anti-Semitic notes left on doors at North York condominium

The notes, however, involved racist comments, both police and residents told CBC Toronto. Several residents found notes withpictures of swastikas stuck to their doors.

At least one of the notes also said "No Jews," police said.

A spokesmanfor the Toronto Police Servicesaid Tuesday that while the investigation is focusing on mischief, specifically interference with property, officers will also considerwhether hatewas the motivation behind the crime.

"Hate is a fundamental part of the investigation," Mark Pugashsaid.

If hate can be proven as a factor in the offence, thatwill come into play during sentencing, Pugash said.

Incident disturbed residents

Earlier this week, one of the condo's residents told CBC Toronto thather mezuzah had already been broken by an unknown vandal. Helen Chaiton, 70, didn't see what happened, but a friend found the sacred artifactin pieces.

"I was very, very disturbed," Chaitonsaid, calling it "a great sin against God."

On Sunday evening, her rabbi came by with a replacement mezuzah. But after she had gone to bed, Chaiton said she heard a chiselling sound outside her door.

The persistent knocking prompted herto call security. When theguard arrived, thesecond mezuzah gone.

Swear words and swastikas

A yellow Post-it note, however, was left in its place. It had the F-wordand a swastika written on it in red ink, she said.

Chaiton, whose parents survived the Holocaust, said she doesn't know who vandalized both of her mezuzahs, but her guess is that it wassomeone who lives in her building.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-3200 orCrime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).