Canadian Jewish Congress-Pacific Region (CJC-PR) and S.U.C.C.E.S.S. (United Chinese Community Enrichment Services Society) Condemn Racist Graffiti in Richmond, B.C.

Richmond - Canadian Jewish Congress–Pacific Region and S.U.C.C.E.S.S. condemn the recent racist graffiti attacks against the Chinese community in Richmond. A group of individuals have defaced the local shopping centre with swastikas and racial comments, and have also damaged security cameras in the building.

"On behalf of the Jewish community of British Columbia we recognize that such actions have no place in the inclusive and multicultural society of Canada," said David Schwartz, Chair of Canadian Jewish Congress-PR. "Attacks motivated by hate create fear not only for members of that particular group but for individuals of all races and religions.  They also seriously undermine the foundation that Canadian society is built upon: diversity, equality and respect.”

 “These remarks and actions are not only completely incomprehensible, but also entirely unacceptable.  They have no place in Richmond, or anywhere else in Canada,” said Tung Chan, CEO of S.U.C.C.E.S.S.  Chan urged members of the community, who may know the perpetrators, to come forward and take a stance against such acts of hate in the community.

"We commend the Richmond RCMP for moving quickly with the arrest of one of the suspects.  No community should be subjected to discrimination or abuse, as an attack on one community should be seen as an attack on every community,” said Sarina Rehal, Community Relations Coordinator of Canadian Jewish Congress-PR.

As human rights organizations within the Jewish and new Canadian communities, CJC-Pacific Region and S.U.C.C.E.S.S. have long been concerned with the proliferation of hate and bias crime in British Columbia and have been strong proponents of government support to combat these crimes.  CJC-PR and S.U.C.C.E.S.S. have been constant voices for education and enforcement against racism, antisemitism and hatred in our society.
 
CONTACTS:
Tung Chan, CEO
S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
Ph: 604-408-7272
Cell: 604-760-6912

Sarina Rehal, Community Relations Coordinator
Canadian Jewish Congress-Pacific Region
Ph: 604-622-4236
Cell: 604-506-6575