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Toronto (March 9, 2022) – Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) is disturbed to learn that, over the past two days, antisemitic and anti-Black graffiti was found at three Newmarket schools.

According to a letter from the York Region District School Board’s (YRDSB) Associate Director of Education, Cecil Roach, “images of a swastika and the N-word were etched in bathroom stalls” in two secondary schools and “a swastika was drawn on an interior door” in an elementary school.

The York Regional Police confirmed the incidents occurred at Glen Cedar Public School, Newmarket High School and Huron Heights Secondary School. FSWC has reached out to the schools to offer its education programs.

York Region police and the schools are conducting investigations, and notes regarding the incidents have been sent to the school communities.

“We are saddened to once again hear of more hateful graffiti found at schools, this time in Newmarket,” said Michael Levitt, FSWC President and CEO. “These growing incidences of hate create a toxic environment for all students and staff and must be addressed with the highest priority by education leaders. In addition to identifying and holding accountable those who carried out these hateful acts, we expect a commitment by the YRDSB and the schools to bringing additional education on antisemitism and racism to both the individuals involved in the incidents and all students.”

This news comes after antisemitic graffiti was found on the school building of a former synagogue and at a park in Markham in January.

Over the past few weeks, numerous incidents of antisemitism were reported at Toronto schools, including graffiti and Nazi salutes performed by students. FSWC is working with the Toronto District School Board to address the rise in antisemitism at its schools.