Many outraged after Nazi flag spotted in apartment building window in Waterloo

Many have taken to social media to express their concern after a Nazi flag was seen hanging in the window of an apartment in Waterloo.

Police were notified about the incident on November 11th around 11 p.m.

Jessica Kronis is with Hillel Ontario, serving Waterloo- a Centre for Jewish Campus Life- she says the flag was spotted on Lester Street, where many off-campus students live while attending the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University.

She says she is impressed with the way the situation was dealt with.

“There are people out there who are not friendly. Having said that, the positive reaction of the community gives me faith that not everybody is hateful, and that the community is a supportive and inclusive place.”

Local Rabbi Moshe Goldman says freedom of speech only goes so far, and these incidents need to be taken seriously.

“Whether or not this is a violation of the law is beyond the point. It’s inhumane, it’s cruel to demonstrate and display a symbol that means so much evil and carries so much pain for millions of people. It’s not just Jews; it’s anyone who was in the Nazi target site.”

Goldman says he is working to offer support for students affected by the incident.

“Students have been texting and calling and we’re here for them, and they know that from before. We’re here as a support for them, we’re going to have a big Friday night dinner tonight. Students will all come together, the community will be together. Nobody goes through this alone in our community.”

He adds “there are a lot of people out there who will say ‘don’t be so offended.’ It’s not about being offended. This is scary, this is frightening, this is not about having my feelings hurt. This is a frightening, terrorizing thing to witness when you think you live in a progressive democracy where freedoms and rights are protected.”