Washago, Ont. family targeted with hate-motivated vandalism, threatening letter
Warning: Some of the content in this article may be upsetting to readers.
A Washago, Ont. couple says they are victims of a hate crime after vandals spray-painted anti-Semitic words on their home and left them a threatening letter.
Ryan Merovitz and his wife have called the town north of Orillia home for eight years and are in shock over the apparent act of hate.
"I go to bed now thinking worse possible scenarios and what would we do like if someone were to set a fire. How do I get everyone out?" said Merovitz.
- Download the CTV News app free to get local news alerts
- Don't miss breaking news - Sign up for the CTV Newsletter
Merovitz said they noticed two unknown men on their property in early October, who returned a few weeks later.
"One of the men had his hands on the window trying to look inside while the one behind him was actually taking pictures of our mezuzah on our door," he said.
A mezuzah is a small piece of parchment inscribed with religious text placed on a Jewish house as a sign of faith.
Merovitz said the two men fled the property when they realized someone was home.
This past Saturday, Merovitz said the family returned home to find graffiti spray-painted on their garage door, home and property.
And another incident of anti-Semitic messages was reported to the police on Tuesday.
Vandals spray-painted anti-Semitic words on a home in Washago, Ont. (CTV News/Rob Cooper)
A letter written in black marker and taped to the Merovitz's garbage bin reads, "You and your Jewish family are going to die!"
"Never once did I ever imagine something like that happening here. The fact that it happened in small-town Ontario, that tells me it will happen anywhere," Merovitz said.
"I'm disgusted, absolutely disgusted," said community member Dianne McCarthy of the graffiti on the house.
Last month, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) issued a release assuring Ontarians of its focus on safety amid global online threats of violence in the wake of the deadly Israel-Hamas conflict.
"The OPP takes hate-motivated crimes very seriously as they undermine public safety, negatively impact our communities and can escalate toward criminal extremism," the service stated in a Wednesday release about the Washago vandalism.
Police investigators were at the Washago house on Wednesday searching for clues. They said the Hate Crime Extremism Unit is now involved.
"Hate-motivated crimes are illegal and unacceptable. We will not tolerate these incidents in our communities. We encourage anyone with information to come forward. All tips will be thoroughly investigated," stated Insp. Coyer Yateman, detachment commander.
"My biggest problem is when people can't separate a conflict that is happening 6,000 miles away from a family in a small town that has nothing to do with it. I have nothing against anybody. If you're a good person, then you're my friend," Merovitz said.
The Merovitz's said they refuse to succumb to fear or intimidation, resolving to keep their mezuzah on their front door. They plan to host a community barbecue on Saturday for those who have shown support since the incident.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A beautiful soul': Funeral held for baby boy killed in wrong-way crash on Highway 401
A funeral was held on Wednesday for a three-month-old boy who died after being involved in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 in Whitby last week.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
Biden says he will stop sending bombs and artillery shells to Israel if they launch major invasion of Rafah
U.S. President Joe Biden said for the first time Wednesday he would halt shipments of American weapons to Israel, which he acknowledged have been used to kill civilians in Gaza, if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders a major invasion of the city of Rafah.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Quebec premier defends new museum on Quebecois nation after Indigenous criticism
Quebec Premier Francois Legault is defending his comments about a new history museum after he was accused by a prominent First Nations group of trying to erase their history.
Blind Sask. boy heading to international braille competition hopes to increase accessibility for visually impaired
A Saskatchewan boy who qualified for an international braille competition in Los Angeles next month hopes he can inspire change in his home province.
'A step forward': New screening criteria for sperm donors takes effect
Canadians looking to grow their families with the assistance of sperm or egg donations should soon have more options for donors as the federal health agency does away with longstanding restrictions criticized as discriminatory.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Kitchener
-
Who's responsible for regulating cannabis stores operating under the sovereignty banner?
It's not quite clear who is supposed to be regulating so-called sovereign cannabis stores or even ensure they're benefiting Indigenous communities.
-
64 people charged in Ontario child exploitation investigations
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 people have been arrested and a combined 348 charges have been laid in connection with a series of child exploitation investigations that spanned across the province.
-
Brantford, Ont. pharmacy already seeing demand for weight loss drug Wegovy
Wegovy, from the company behind Ozempic, is now available across Canada. We stopped by a Brantford pharmacy to learn more about the drug.
London
-
More than 150 townhomes in northeast London have lost mail service due to off-leash dog
‘It’s a rough situation.’ Townhome residents on Briarhill Avenue have been without mail deliver for about two months.
-
Mother testifies in own defence at disturbing child abuse trial
The mother involved in a shocking child abuse case in London, Ont. took the stand on Wednesday, denying that she ever harmed her children.
-
TSB concludes investigation into cause of London, Ont. freight train fire
More than two weeks after a freight train with several railcars ablaze rolled through the heart of the Forest City, the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) has concluded its investigation.
Windsor
-
'Predators go where children go': 5 local people arrested, charged through Project Aquatic
Four people from Windsor, one of whom is 16 years old, and one person from Chatham are now charged with offences including possessing, accessing and making available child pornography.
-
'I wouldn’t trade it for anything': Caesars Windsor celebrates 30 years in the community
To celebrate their 30-year presence in the Windsor community, Caesars Windsor employees are rolling up their sleeves this week, volunteering at six local non-profit organizations.
-
Death deemed not suspicious after body found near Tecumseh Mall
Windsor police say the death was not suspicious after a body was found near an east Windsor mall.
Northern Ontario
-
Seven northern Ont. men busted in huge online child exploitation investigation
A province-wide child sexual abuse investigation by Ontario Provincial Police dubbed Project Aquatic has resulted in hundreds of charges, including seven male suspects from northern Ontario.
-
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
-
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Sault Ste. Marie
-
-
Greater Sudbury Cubs head to national hockey championship
After dealing with the stomach flu and the associated bumps and bruises that accompany a run to a championship, the Greater Sudbury Cubs junior 'A' hockey team is intent on succeeding at the Centennial Cup.
-
Court upholds assault conviction for northern Ont. soccer player who punched opponent in the face
A vicious retaliation punch in a soccer game five years ago in the Sault was aggravated assault, an appeals court has confirmed.
Ottawa
-
High school student fatally stabbed in Nepean remembered as 'beloved' son
A 15-year-old who was fatally stabbed last week is being remembered as a "beloved son, brother, cousin, nephew, grandson and friend."
-
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
-
Attempted murder charges laid in Overbrook apartment fire
The Ottawa Police Service has laid charges against an Ottawa man, including for attempted murder, in connection with an alleged arson of an Overbrook apartment building last week.
Toronto
-
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
-
'A beautiful soul': Funeral held for baby boy killed in wrong-way crash on Highway 401
A funeral was held on Wednesday for a three-month-old boy who died after being involved in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 in Whitby last week.
-
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
Montreal
-
English CEGEPs struggling with requirements under Bill 96; French language minister says it's necessary
Quebec's minister for the French language says if English CEGEPs are having a problem with the new French-language exam for students, it only shows that the province's language laws are necessary.
-
No more doctor's note: Quebec bill would scrap paperwork for massages, medical equipment
On Wednesday, Labour Minister Jean Boulet announced that he will table a bill to cut red tape, so that family doctors can free up an additional 500,000 medical appointments for patients each year by a plan to put an end to require a medical note in order to be reimbursed by an insurance company.
-
WATCH THE VIDEO
WATCH THE VIDEO Actor Gouchy Boy charged with assaulting Montreal photographer before sentencing on sex assault
A Quebec actor known as Gouchy Boy was charged with assaulting a photographer at a Montreal-area courthouse Wednesday minutes before he was sentenced for sexual assault.
Atlantic
-
Halifax police looking for missing woman, child from Quebec
Halifax Regional Police is looking for a missing 26-year-old woman and a six-year-old child from Quebec.
-
Pilot project for three-wheeled vehicles to start in Nova Scotia soon
A pilot project to test and evaluate the operation of federally-approved three-wheeled vehicles on Nova Scotia roads starts next week.
-
Premier Higgs announces new N.B. environment minister
New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs has named a new minister of environment and climate change nearly three weeks after the previous one resigned from the post over political disagreements.
Winnipeg
-
'I killed four people': Trial hears video evidence of Jeremy Skibicki at Winnipeg trial
“I killed four people,” alleged serial killer Jeremy Skibicki told two homicide detectives during a recorded interview played as evidence in his trial Wednesday.
-
'A great, great honour': Manitoban's photograph selected for Canada Post stamp
The sumptuous sights of the Manitoba Sunflower Festival are set to make their way around the world thanks to a Winnipeg photographer.
-
Proposed class-action lawsuit launched against Manitoba government for use of solitary confinement in prisons
A proposed class-action lawsuit has been filed against the Manitoba government by a previous inmate for the use of solitary confinement, calling the practice, "cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment."
Calgary
-
Calgary man charged with sexual assault of Cowboys patron
Calgary police have charged a man with the sexual assault of a woman he met at a downtown club.
-
Nenshi taking heat on labour record from fellow Alberta NDP leadership candidates
Candidates vying to be the next leader of Alberta’s Opposition NDP want answers from presumed front-runner Naheed Nenshi about a five-year-old letter that they say signals he is anti-union.
-
Calgary tops list of 10 cities Canadians are travelling to for summer 2024
Calgary has nabbed first place on a new list examining the top 10 Canadian cities that people from across the country are looking at travelling to this summer.
Edmonton
-
Size of Vancouver Island burned in 2023 Alberta wildfires: ABMI report
A group of researchers who studied the historic 2023 Alberta wildfires calls them “remarkable” at least in recent history.
-
Vehicle found burning on Anthony Henday Drive east of Edmonton
Police in Strathcona County are looking for information after a vehicle fire on Anthony Henday Drive.
-
Man recommended to become ethics commissioner previously sought UCP nomination: NDP
The man recommended to become Alberta's next ethics commissioner has ties to the United Conservative Party, the Opposition NDP said on Wednesday.
Regina
-
'Lax environment' contributed to 2020 deaths of 2 SaskPower workers
A Saskatchewan judge has found SaskPower guilty of three workplace-safety related violations over an incident that left two workers dead in Weyburn.
-
From CTV's archive: Watch the Regina Pats score 17 goals in one 1985 playoff game
There have been some crazy WHL playoff games over the years. But a team scoring 17 goals? In one game?
-
Speed limit to be lowered in Regina's Cathedral neighbourhood
The speed limit in Regina’s Cathedral neighbourhood will be lowered to 40 kilometres per hour after city council voted in favour of the reduction Wednesday afternoon.
Saskatoon
-
'Written off': Sask. woman says her brother, who had Down syndrome, fell through the cracks
Tara Jo Kadlec has been advocating for better care for her brother Cory for years.
-
From CTV's archive: Watch the Regina Pats score 17 goals in one 1985 playoff game
There have been some crazy WHL playoff games over the years. But a team scoring 17 goals? In one game?
-
Toronto man charged in Saskatchewan after police seize cocaine, cash and a Glock
A Toronto man faces drug trafficking charges in Saskatchewan after police in Prince Albert seized nearly 100 grams of cocaine, cash, and a Glock handgun on Tuesday.
Vancouver
-
B.C. mink farms' challenge to government ban dismissed in court
Five different lawsuits from B.C. mink farms seeking to reverse the provincial government's ban on their industry have been tossed out of the province's Supreme Court.
-
Vancouver cop who struck pedestrian with cruiser fined $2,000
A police officer who struck a pedestrian with his cruiser while speeding through Vancouver's Downtown Eastside nearly two years ago has been fined $2,000.
-
B.C. theatre to pay $55K to neurodivergent actor in discrimination case
British Columbia's human rights tribunal has awarded a neurodigergent actor, who was diagnosed with sensory and learning disorders, more than $55,000 after finding that a Kelowna theatre company discriminated against him because of his disabilities.
Vancouver Island
-
B.C. expanding 3 provincial campgrounds this year
Good news for campers looking for a spot this summer: B.C. is expanding three provincial campgrounds, two on Vancouver Island and one on the mainland.
-
B.C. theatre to pay $55K to neurodivergent actor in discrimination case
British Columbia's human rights tribunal has awarded a neurodigergent actor, who was diagnosed with sensory and learning disorders, more than $55,000 after finding that a Kelowna theatre company discriminated against him because of his disabilities.
-
TSB releases report into fatal Vancouver Island floatplane crash
A floatplane crash that killed two people on the west coast of Vancouver Island last summer was caused by a collision with a boat wake or an object in the water, according to an investigation report published by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada Wednesday.
