Mezuzah ripped off doorpost at University of British Columbia

A student’s mezuzah was ripped off its doorpost at the University of British Columbia (UBC), the University’s student newspaper reported last week.

A mezuzah is a decorative case containing a Jewish prayer which is traditionally fixed to the doorpost of a Jewish home.

The incident was said to have occurred on 22nd July, where three individuals were believed to have ripped the mezuzah off of the doorpost and vandalised it. It has since been reported to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and is being investigated.

An e-mail from UBC Housing to its residences said that “Antisemitic behaviours and actions such as these are absolutely reprehensible,” and also said that this incident was “the second time this has occurred.” In the e-mail, there was also a link that explained the significance of mezuzahs.

Andrew Parr, Associate Vice President of Student Housing and Community Services, said that “If those found responsible are student residents they will face significant repercussions — up to an including eviction.”

“In consultation with the resident we shared information about this occurrence with others in their residence community to both shine a light on and reaffirm how unacceptable this type of activity is in our community and encourage reporting information that may aid the police investigation,” Mr Parr added.

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