An anti-Semitic graffiti was painted over a sign that reads, “All Are Welcome.” | Photo – Anna Maranta, Facebook
Warning: offensive language
Ottawa Rabbi Anna Maranta woke up early this morning to find a swastika and anti-Semitic slur spray painted across her front door in the Glebe and says she thinks the act can be traced back to Donald Trump.
“People feel when somebody of such prominence is able to make these statements and perform these actions without censor then it’s okay for they themselves to do so,” said Rabbi Maranta.
“I was shocked that someone was so brazen to come up to my door and do this,” she said. “I haven’t fully sorted out what I feel.”
Rabbi Maranta has called Ottawa home since 1994 and currently rents the first floor of a Glebe home. The space doubles as a prayer room, offering a multitude of services, including prayer services, study sessions, classes and kosher vegetarian potlucks. Maranta said that for over 22 years she has established a strong community and many people have already been in touch with her.
“I have heard from friends, fellow students and from some of the international and national Jewish and Muslim organizations. The response has been really supportive over all,” Rabbi Maranta said.
Rabbi Maranta said that while the event has sparked emotions and “shocked” her, she is confident that those who usually attend her Tuesday evening Tea and Torah sessions are likely “upset by this act, but are not likely to be intimidated by it.”
The bold act of religious intolerance is not the first or only of its kind since President-Elect Trump’s victory on Nov. 8. “I think we’re going to see quite an upsurge of these kinds of events in the next days and weeks to come,” said Rabbi Maranta.
“I don’t know how we’re going to get through the next four years, if he stays in the presidency for that length of time,” said Rabbi Maranta.
