Local writer target of anti-Semitic graffiti

A local writer who contributes to a Jewish online publication says she feels targeted after finding a swastika scrawled into the snowbank in front of her west end home.

Sara McCleary said she was leaving the house on an errand with her four-year-old daughter when she saw the symbol in the snow in front of her house in the Jamestown neighbourhood, along with an offensive word.

“I brushed it off because I didn’t want anybody to think we had drawn it,” said McCleary.

Working as a freelance writer, McCleary contributes blog posts to B’nai Brith Canada — a human rights organization which, among other things, advocates against anti-semetic hate speech.

At first, McClearly thought the symbol was left there by someone who was ‘being dumb’.

“The more I thought about it, the more I thought it was too much of a coincidence given my face is on the B’nai Brith web site every week,” said McCleary.

"I had never identified as Jewish, but my grandmother was Jewish — she was adopted, so she wasn’t raised Jewish. When we found out about it, it was an opportunity to find out more about where we come from and I have family members who do identify as Jewish. The writing is an opportunity to learn more about that,” said McCleary.

Much of McCleary’s writing for B’nai Brith Canada focuses on speaking out against anti-Semitism.

After speaking to family and the B’nai Brith Canada, McCleary made the decision to speak out against the placement of the symbol.

“I think it’s more important for them to know we are not going to hide. They can do what they want and that is not going to stop anybody,” said McCleary.

Marty York, chief media officer for B’nai Brith Canada, said this incident is both heartbreaking and concerning.

"Sara does a great job for us as one of our bloggers. She writes about anti-Semitism and goes to bat for people who have been victimized by anti-Semitism — and does an excellent job,” said York.

The group says thousands of anti-Semetic incidents occur each year in Canada.

One recent incident, which occurred on New Year’s Eve in Winnipeg, involved a large rock painted with a swastika tied with a ribbon that said ‘get out of our neighbourhood’ left on the doorstep of a Jewish family’s house.

The words “die Jew bitch” were also found written on the rock.

Even though the swastika symbol in the snow was temporary, representatives from B’nai Brith Canada find it disturbing.

“For the Jewish community, it’s a threat to your safety, it’s a threat to your life because of the history of that symbol. Even if it is being done as a supposed joke, it’s not an appropriate joke — it’s a hate crime,” said a representative.

Along with advocating for Jewish causes, York notes B’nai Brith Canada also advocates on behalf of First Nations and urban black communities, among others.

York said among the organization’s causes are senior’s programing, 2000-plus member sports leagues and support for affordable housing.

Const. Sonny Spina, speaking on behalf of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, said there is an open investigation into the incident.

“At this time an officer from the Criminal Investigations Division is assigned and he will be following up with the complainant and people in the area.  At this time there are no suspects, however anyone in the community that may have information is encouraged to come forward and speak to police,” said Spina.

“It is not clear if this particular incident was directed at a particular person or group in our community, but that is being explored,” added Spina.

McCleary said she hopes members of the community will call out racism when they see it.

“I would like to see others who are experiencing this kind of thing to speak out about it, because I am sure I am not the only one this is happening to,” she said.