I am saddened to hear of the vandalism that occurred over the weekend at Milano Pizzeria on St. Laurent Boulevard. There is a growing trend of antisemitism and racism worldwide and our ward is not immune. Alta Vista ward is a diverse community, and acts of hatred are not welcome in our community.
I am glad to see neighbours coming together to support each other and the pizzeria. Alta Vista is home to a synagogue and a large Jewish population. The synagogue was vandalized multiple times, the last being in 2016, which was declared a hate crime by the Ottawa Police Chief.
It is always disheartening to see this hate being spread in our community. It is important to come together and support each other and make it known that antisemitism is not welcome here. Hate motivated incidents can be reported to the Ottawa Police Service online or by phone at 613-236-1222, extension 7300, seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. Anonymoustips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS).