Antisemitic stickers appearing in Halifax condemned by Canadian Jewish community

Members of Halifax’s Jewish community are publicly condemning antisemitic stickers that have begun appearing around the city over recent weeks.

The stickers read, “The Bug That Backfired COVID-19” in black and white print, and feature a Star of David and a symbol commonly associated with Freemasonry. Many have reportedly been seen in the downtown area of Halifax and across college campuses also around the city.

One local Jewish leader explained that the rhetoric draws inspiration from the antisemitic text ‘The Protocols of the Elders of Zion’ that outlines conspiracies surrounding Jewish domination of the world, and she voiced concerns that the COVID-19 outbreak was causing a rise in such antisemitic sentiments amongst “a very small, very radical group”, who seek to use the Jewish community as a “scapegoat”.

Her organisation insisted, however, that this line of thinking is not representative of Halifax and Nova Scotia at large, and that the Jewish community has always felt welcome and safe in the provincial capital.

The public has been encouraged to report any stickers to Jewish communal groups and to the Halifax Regional Police, in order to ensure the incidents are not “let go”.

The police confirmed that at least one report of the stickers had been received.

Far-right sticking campaigns have also been a problem in the UK.

Campaign Against Antisemitism has expanded our coverage of antisemitism worldwide. Please contact us if you would like to share feedback or volunteer to assist with this project.

Image credit: Atlantic Jewish Council