Vancouver Police investigates possible hate crime, arrests one youth

Police in Vancouver say they’re investigating a possible hate crime after an incident between protesters at the Vancouver Art Gallery over the weekend.

The Vancouver Police Department says officers were called to Robson Square and the VAG just after 7 p.m. “when violence broke out between groups of protesters with opposing views about the war between Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah.”

The pro-Palestinian protest was organized by Samidoun, a group that’s held other demonstrations at the art gallery in the past.

Police say a 34-year-old woman was injured during the incident and went to hospital after being allegedly knocked to the ground, assaulted, and “subjected to anti-Semitic slurs.”

“We were able to identify a suspect, a youth, who was taken into custody. But we have more work to do to gather evidence to confirm whether he was involved, or if there was anybody else,” Addison told CityNews Vancouver on Wednesday.

The CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver Ezra Shanken says the language that was used was “so jostling and scary for the individual” that was allegedly assaulted.

“I think everyone has the right to safely express themselves on issues that matter to them,” he said

The VPD says they are investigating this incident as a hate crime.

“We don’t expect everyone to agree, but we do expect them to treat each other with dignity and respect,” Addison said.

“Violence, hatred, and intimidation have no place in Vancouver, and the VPD will do everything in its power to solve crimes and apprehend offenders, so that people can be safe in their community.”

Another protest is scheduled at the art gallery on Monday, Oct. 7, on the one year anniversary of Hamas’ attack on Israel.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver says growing tensions can be felt among the community.

“We think it’s reprehensible. I’m taking a deep breath here. It’s very hard to contemplate the value of having a celebration like Samidoun is planning on the day while we’re mourning the loss of 1200 innocent men, women and children,” Shanken said.

The VPD is reminding both sides of the conflict to treat each other with respect.

“We’re encouraging people in the lead up to Oct. 7, if you’re going to protest, gather, to express your democratic right, that you do so peacefully, lawfully, and respectfully to people with opposing views,” said Addison.