CALGARY, Canada (JTA) — A man who spray-painted anti-Semitic slogans on three Jewish sites in Calgary was sentenced to 18 months probation.
Anti-Jewish graffiti and swastikas were painted on a Holocaust memorial and synagogues in the largest city in the Canadian province of Alberta in November 2009.
The man, who cannot be named under Canadian law because he was a teenager at the time of the offenses, was caught in Winnipeg in March 2010 and returned to Calgary. He was charged with inciting public hatred as well as with mischief to a place of religious worship motivated by hate — the first time that charge had been laid in Calgary.
He pleaded guilty to the charges and admitted he had been a member of a white supremacist group. During sentencing, he met with two Holocaust survivors who explained the impact of his crimes on them. His lawyer said the young man no longer belongs to any neo-Nazi groups.
In addition to probation, the man was ordered to complete 150 hours of community service.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
