TORONTO (JTA) — A Canadian teenager was arrested for allegedly setting a Jewish classmate’s hair on fire after making anti-Semitic remarks.
Winnipeg police have charged the 15-year-old boy with assault with a weapon following an investigation of the Nov. 18 incident in the hallway of a local high school. Police say he confronted a 14-year-old girl and made the slurs before pulling out a cigarette lighter and singing her hair.
The girl did not suffer any serious physical injuries.
Police weren’t notified of the incident until Nov. 25 and arrested the boy on Dec. 4, CBC News reported.
Staff at the high school told the Winnipeg Free Press that the boy was suspended immediately, and he was later withdrawn from the school by his legal guardian.
Police said a possible hate crimes charge must be approved by Manitoba justice officials.
Investigators said the boy’s Facebook page contained posts of an "anti-Semitic" and "Nazi" nature. A school official said the teens had exchanges on social media prior to the incident.
Shelley Faintuch of the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg called the incident "a shocking act of violence that must not be tolerated. The allegation that the attack may have been motivated by ant-Semitism makes it of special concern to the Jewish community, but in actual fact, an attack like this affects all communities."
Alan Yusim of B’nai Brith Canada said the incident "tears at the fabric of the community. I think there should be zero tolerance for any hate-motivated activity in our schools."
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.
