Enough — Over the past two seasons I have been photographing graffiti and posters across Winnipeg (to have them removed). 100% of the graffiti I see is directed at the Jewish community, with examples such as “F*cking Zionist C*nts” to “Jews Kill Babies”. I have not seen any other community singled out and targeted in this way. I am not denying that racism towards other communities does not exist, of course it does, but what I see on a daily basis is overwhelmingly targeted towards one community.
Enough — I have personally witnessed Jewish families; grandparents, parents, children—forced to walk past a mob of people shouting, intimidating, and harassing them as they try to attend one of Winnipeg’s most celebrated cultural events, Folklorama. Out of more than 40 pavilions, the Israel Pavilion is the only one subjected to these hate-fueled attacks, so much so, that pictures from the Israel pavilion are the only Facebook posts they have to turn comments off because of the racist hate.
Enough — Since October 7th, 2023 I have joined the Jewish community and their allies at weekly hostage rallies, standing together in silent hope for the safe return of the hostages. As we hold their photos, we often receive supportive honks—thank you, Winnipeg! But alongside that support, rally-goers also face vile outbursts, like the person who screamed: “F*ck you Jews” from his truck.
Enough — Online, the same pattern emerges. Virtually all of the hate-filled social media posts (from Winnipeg people) criticizing world events that I see, are directed at one community. Rarely is outrage expressed about other conflicts where war and suffering continue to rage. Instead, we continuously see messages like: “Israel has no right to exist”, “Our city is being held hostage by Zionists”, “Israel was created by mass rapists”, or “In case you thought Zionist genocidal supporters aren’t a**holes…”
Enough — Online Instagram accounts are posting names of Jewish people in Winnipeg, their allies, and community-based non-profit organizations that are working to make our city a better place, labeling them as “Zionists.”
Think about that for a second — people are publishing lists of Jews and those who stand with them. This is beyond concerning and a chilling reminder of another time in history when lists like this were used to isolate and target the Jewish community.
I have many more examples of each area, but you get the idea. Knock yourself out criticizing government in Canada and Israel that is each person’s right but what I see is not a right, it is racism. Stopping this is not about stopping legitimate criticism of government policy or decisions, this is about the safety and security of our community and everyone in it.
The Jewish community in Winnipeg has a long and storied history—families who have built, supported, and served our city for generations.
Now is the time for all of us to say enough to this torrent of hate, harassment, and intimidation. We need voices from all corners—politicians at every level, faith leaders from every tradition, businesspeople, community leaders, and allies from every walk of life.
To those who have already spoken out: we see you, and thank you. But more people are needed to stand up to hate, and stand with our friends, neighbours, and colleagues in Winnipeg’s Jewish community.
We need more allies. We need more voices.
We need more people to say — enough.
