Police investigate synagogue damage as attempted break-in

Police are  treating damage to a Saskatoon synagogue as an attempted break-in — not vandalism.

Members of the Congregation Agudas Isreal synagogue found the building’s doorbell ripped off Tuesday morning.

With concerns about anti-Semitism high in the wake of Saturday’s shooting that left 11 dead at a Pittsburgh, some members were worried the Saskatoon incident might have been motivated by hate.

Police made a point of having a visible presence at a vigil held Tuesday night at Agudas Isreal for those killed in the Pittsburgh shooting, with Chief Troy Cooper in attendance along with four officers inside the building and another three outside.

A police spokesperson confirmed via email that officers investigating the damage to the building are keeping in touch with the local Jewish community.