Police across Canada are investigating alleged acts of vandalism, theft and even arson against Ukrainian Canadians or those who show their support amid Russia’s invasion of the neighboring country.
Alexandra Chichiy of the Ukrainian-Canadian Congress said such incidents in Canada were a “growing phenomenon”.
“This is a very worrying trend and, frankly, many people were scared,” Chichi told John Venavali-Rao of CTV National News.
In Victoria, police are investigating a possible home of Yuri Vishnevsky, pastor of the Ukrainian Catholic Church. Vishnevsky, as well as his wife and three young daughters, narrowly escaped the blaze, which began shortly after 1 a.m. Wednesday.
The pastor told CTV News Vancouver Island that his wife called from the first floor after noticing someone pouring gasoline into the house through the home’s slot.
Vishnevsky’s eldest daughter, 11, was injured when the children were transferred from a window on the second floor.
“It was hell because I knew it was the only window outside. That was the only way out, “Vishnevsky said.
All five members of the family were treated for smoke inhalation, according to police, and the family’s cat was being treated at a local animal hospital after being found unconscious.
Police said on Wednesday that it was too early to determine the motive, but did not rule out that it could be a hate crime. The Vishnevsky family had a Ukrainian flag hanging on their front window during the fire.
BC Prime Minister John Horgan told a news conference Thursday that he hoped the community would unite around the Vishnevsky family.
“When it’s a potential arson, a potential hate crime, it’s certainly something British Colombians don’t expect to wake up to,” he said.
In Lewis, Quebec, Jean Mercier, the owner of a hair salon, told a client on April 9 that a black “Z” – a symbol of support for the Russian army – was spray-painted on his building. The Ukrainian flag he was displaying was also missing.
And in Kitchener, Ont., Local police are investigating after several homemade plaques with information on how to donate to Ukraine were depersonalized with the black “Z” symbol.
“It’s very sad and frustrating,” Domingo Normando, whose husband Paul put up the signs in support of Ukraine, told CTV News Kitchener. “The point is, I don’t know what that ‘Z’ means.” I had to go to my husband and ask what that “Z” meant. My son is scared because the neighborhood is quiet and suddenly some people react that way. “
With files from Todd Coyne, Jennifer K. Baker and Adam Chan.
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