National Holocaust Memorial Vandalized in Red Paint; Police Hate Crime Unit Investigates
Ottawa police investigate vandalism of Holocaust Memorial amid community outrage and political condemnation.
The Ottawa Police Service is conducting an active investigation after the National Holocaust Monument in the LeBreton Flats area was defaced overnight. According to police, the incident took place late last night, with the monument discovered vandalized with large red paint bearing the words “FEED ME”. The Hate and Bias Crime Unit has been assigned to the case and urges anyone with information to contact their office at 613-236-1222, extension 5625.
The desecration of such a significant memorial has sparked immediate outrage within both the Jewish community and the broader Ottawa public. Adam Silver, CEO and President of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa, said in a statement, “We were disgusted to learn that the National Holocaust Monument was defaced overnight. This is not just vandalism, it is an act of desecration against the memory of six million Jews and millions of other victims murdered in the Holocaust. It is an attack on Holocaust remembrance and on the dignity of survivors, their families, and our entire community.”
Cleanup crews responded early Monday morning, covering the graffiti while city officials and security personnel reviewed the scene for evidence. The police emphasized that incidents targeting hate or bias are treated with the utmost seriousness, citing the profound impact such actions have on affected communities.
Workers from a cleanup crew spread a tarp to cover the words ‘FEED ME’ on the National Holocaust Monument in Ottawa on Monday, June 9, 2025.
Political leaders swiftly condemned the act. Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe expressed his dismay, stating, “It’s shocking and disturbing to see it defaced today. Protests and demonstrations are an essential part of our democracy. Disfiguring a sacred monument in a way that will traumatize victims, survivors and their families is not.” He added that he is in contact with members of the Jewish community, interfaith leaders, and police, and called for unity in the fight against hatred in all its forms.
Meanwhile, area Member of Parliament Yasir Naqvi labeled the incident as “a disgraceful, antisemitic act of vandalism.” The police have not released any information regarding possible suspects, and the investigation remains ongoing.
This is a developing story.
