Toronto police are searching for a wanted person in connection with two suspected hate-motivated attacks on synagogues

CNN
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According to a press release, Toronto police are searching for a motorcyclist who is wanted in connection with two suspected hate-motivated acts of vandalism in synagogues on the night of Sunday.

According to police, the two stone throwing incidents occurred shortly after three in the morning and about half an hour later.

Kehillat Shaarei Torah in Toronto “was one of the synagogues targeted in suspected hate-motivated vandalism” in the city overnight, a synagogue spokesperson told CNN.

“This is the third act of anti-Semitic vandalism that has occurred at our synagogue since April 19 of this year,” Executive Director Michael Gilmore said in an email on Sunday.

Gilmore said the attacks highlight the dangers that members of the Jewish community across Canada face on a daily basis.

“Fortunately, like Jewish generations before us, we have come together as a community stronger, more united and more purposeful than ever before,” he wrote.

Police reported that at the other facility, the Pride of Israel Synagogue in North York, rocks were thrown through the front windows.

Carl Zeliger, vice president of the Pride of Israel congregation, said the damage there was “significant” and “must be viewed as an anti-Semitic act,” according to a statement from B’nai Brith Canada.

The pictures show large holes in the front windows and broken glass at the entrance to the synagogue.

CNN has contacted the Pride of Israel Synagogue for further comment.

Police confirmed that the incidents are being investigated as suspected hate crimes. They described the suspect as being between 5’7″ and 5’9″ tall and wearing a light-colored jacket and a black helmet with a visor.

Police officials said they would increase their presence in both areas.