York Regional Police are investigating a suspected hate-motivated assault after a man allegedly punched a Jewish man outside the Sephardic Kehila Centre in Vaughan, Ontario, on Shabbos morning.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:35 a.m. The suspect, described as a man of Middle Eastern background, first attempted to enter the building but was turned away by security after behaving suspiciously and admitting he was not there to pray. Upon leaving, he allegedly discarded papers that appeared to contain verses from Tehillim.

The suspect then blocked the path of a man walking with his son to Shacharis. When the congregant moved past him, the suspect punched him in the face from behind. Thankfully, the victim did not suffer serious injuries.

York Regional Police announced on X that its hate crime unit was investigating and urged anyone with information to contact authorities.

Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca called the incident “deeply disturbing” and said protecting Jewish residents remained a top priority. “At a time when antisemitism and Jew hatred is on the rise, we must be vigilant and do everything possible to support and protect our Jewish residents,” Del Duca said.

The UJA Federation of Greater Toronto said it was relieved the victim was not seriously injured but said the attack reflected “a continued pattern of antisemitic violence targeting our community.” The organization warned that as such incidents become more normalized, “they erode public safety and our way of life as Canadians.”

No arrests have been announced. The investigation is ongoing.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)