Ottawa, June 9, 2025 – Canada’s National Holocaust Monument in Ottawa was defaced overnight, with red paint splashed across its surfaces. Cleaning crews were seen at the monument Monday morning, removing the paint and restoring the site .
The monument, designed by Daniel Libeskind and unveiled in 2017, honors the memory of six million Jews and other victims of the Nazi genocide . Located opposite the Canadian War Museum near Parliament Hill, it serves as Canada’s official tribute to Holocaust survivors and victims.
The vandalism has shocked the community and raised concerns over rising antisemitic trends across North America, especially amid lingering tensions related to the Gaza conflict . One observer commented, “Defacing it is not protest—it is hate…” .
Authorities are investigating the incident as a potential hate crime, and a full security review of the monument is expected. No suspects have been reported as of Monday afternoon.
