Friday, June 12, 2026
ADVT 
National

Vancouver Police release video showing suspect in synagogue arson

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 26 Jun, 2024 11:38 AM
  • Vancouver Police release video showing suspect in synagogue arson

Police in Vancouver have released video showing a man who is believed to have set fire to the front entrance of a synagogue last month in the hope that someone may recognize the suspect. 

The security video shows a man wearing a dark jacket, light ball cap and a medical face mask approaching the front steps of the Schara Tzedeck synagogue on Vancouver's Oak Street on May 30 with a time stamp of 9:41 p.m. 

The man is carrying a clear bottle with liquid inside, and he unscrews the cap before disappearing from the frame. 

Less than a minute later, there is a bright flash and the video shows the man walking quickly down the synagogue stairs and onto the street.

A second video shows the front entrance from a different angle as orange flames spark and then flare up as the man walks away.

The police statement says investigators are looking to speak with anyone who might recognize the suspect in the video, as well as the driver of a beige or silver minivan that was seen in the area at the time of the fire.

Rabbi Andrew Rosenblatt has said people were inside the synagogue after services that same night, when they heard a "bang" outside.

But he said it was a passerby who alerted them that their building was on fire, before a member of the congregation put out the flames with his jacket.

MORE National ARTICLES

Playland invests $9M in Canada's fastest new roller coaster

Playland invests $9M in Canada's fastest new roller coaster
The new linear synchronous motor (LSM) launch coaster will occupy the previous location of the retired Corkscrew Coaster, and construction will begin in 2023 with opening targeted for 2024. This is the largest single attraction investment made by Playland and signals a bright future for Playland.

Playland invests $9M in Canada's fastest new roller coaster

Bears in Squamish attacks won't be captured

Bears in Squamish attacks won't be captured
The Squamish Estuary trail network, a conservation area next to the mountain community's downtown centre about 60 kilometres north of Vancouver, will be closed until further notice. Bears are stressed at this time of year, as they seek food ahead of denning, which is expected in a few weeks as the weather cools.

Bears in Squamish attacks won't be captured

Directors' guild releases data on gender parity

Directors' guild releases data on gender parity
The findings are based on data released by the guild Friday on all productions signed by its 860 director members in 2021. The report says women directed 40 per cent of DGC-signed feature films and 43 per cent of episodic television last year.

Directors' guild releases data on gender parity

B.C. health science workers latest to get contract

B.C. health science workers latest to get contract
The Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association negotiates for a range of union positions, including medical technologists, lab workers, pharmacists, psychologists, social workers and physiotherapists.  

B.C. health science workers latest to get contract

Langley's Walnut Grove Secondary School lockdown lifted, after rifle prop mistaken for a real one

Langley's Walnut Grove Secondary School lockdown lifted, after rifle prop mistaken for a real one
According to Mounties, "Initial reports advised an adult man entered the front door and was seen carrying what appeared to be a rifle. The school was immediately locked down and secured while numerous police resources rushed to the school".  

Langley's Walnut Grove Secondary School lockdown lifted, after rifle prop mistaken for a real one

End time changes and daylight time, experts say

End time changes and daylight time, experts say
Daylight time, which sees people enjoy an extra hour of daylight at the end of the day starting March 13, ends on Sunday. Experts say the tradition of springing forward and falling back in time every year is taxing on individuals' health.  

End time changes and daylight time, experts say