OPP say they are investigating hate-motivated mischief after a home in Washago was tagged with antisemitic graffiti.
On Saturday, October 28, police say it was reported that the garage doors of a residence were spray painted with antisemitic messages.
Then on Tuesday, October 31, OPP say a second incident was reported at the same location with new threatening antisemitic messages.
Ryan Merovitz lives in the home with his wife and 18-year-son.
"We are absolutely rattled, shaken, appalled and shocked."
Merovitz says the community has been incredible with their support and outreach.
"I am still shocked and saddened, but I have for the most part moved more to the anger phase that this has happened."
There was also an incident earlier this month, according to Merovitz, where two men approached the house while his wife was home and then they turned around and left.
Though he says they returned a few weeks later.
" On the 13th (October), there was a couple of men both dressed in suits and our dog started barking. My wife went to go see why and one of them had their hand against the window of the front door and they started taking pictures of our mezuzah," he explained.
Police say the OPP Forensic Identification Unit and the OPP Hate Crime and Extremism Unit (HCEU) are providing support with the investigation.
"The OPP takes hate-motivated crimes very seriously as they undermine public safety, negatively impact our communities and can escalate toward criminal extremism," OPP stated in a release. "Hate-motivated crimes are illegal under the Criminal Code. It is important that hate-motivated crimes and incidents are reported to the police."
Anyone with information or video surveillance of either incident is asked to contact Orillia OPP at 705-326-3536 or 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display, and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.00.
"Hate-motivated crimes are illegal and unacceptable," said Inspector Coyer Yateman, Detachment Commander. "We will not tolerate these incidents in our communities. We encourage anyone with information to come forward. All tips will be thoroughly investigated."
Images via Alisha Long's Facebook
