Graveyard Vandalized

Ottawa Jewish cemetery defaced by vandals
Last Updated: Friday, October 23, 2009 9:09 AM ET

Swastikas and anti-Semitic slogans were spray-painted in red across headstones, walls and a sign at a Jewish cemetery in Ottawa's south end this week.

Staff at Jewish Memorial Gardens in the village of Herbert Corners, south of Greely, said Friday that they were shocked when they arrived Thursday morning to find the damage to the entrance walls and eight headstones.

The staff, who had arrived to prepare for a burial later in the day, said it was the first time the cemetery has been vandalized in this way.

Ottawa police confirmed they are investigating the incident as a hate crime.

As of Friday morning, staff had cleaned up most of the damage, and only a few remnants of the paint could be seen on the marble entrance sign.

A different Jewish cemetery at the south end of Bank Street was vandalized twice two years ago.

CBCNews