Saskatoon synagogue egging not motivated by hate, suspect’s lawyer says

It’s been over two weeks since Congregation Agudas Israel on McKinnon Avenue in Saskatoon was egged, and now we’re learning why.

In an email to CKOM News, lawyer Brian Pfefferle said his client Jayden Clarke accepts, “full responsibility for the acts of mischief.”

Read more:

Police say those acts took place back on the morning of Aug. 1, when Clarke allegedly took a carton of eggs and threw them at multiple vehicles and sections of the building.

Rabbi Claudio Jodorkovsky confirmed it happened while he was leading the Sabbath religious service. Police released video surveillance from outside the building showing the suspect with eggs in hand.

On Aug. 13, Clarke turned himself into police headquarters and was charged with three counts of mischief under $5,000, police said. Clarke was later released on conditions.

According to Pfefferle, the act was “alcohol-induced,” though the 31-year-old man from Dundurn has since realized how he “caused genuine fear.”

Days after the incident, Jodorovsky said the community didn’t know what the motivation was though he said, “we do feel that there is hatred towards the Jewish community.”

Pfefferle confirmed, however, that hatred didn’t play a part.

“It was not hate-motivated, was not directed at the Jewish community or any specific group, and was not intended to cause fear, harm, or disruption,” Pfefferle wrote.

Even if those weren’t the intentions, though, Pfefferle said his client recognizes how he caused legitimate fear.

“He knows his conduct was irresponsible and harmful, not funny,” Pfefferle wrote.

Following the egging, Congregation Agudas Israel co-president, Robert Englebert, said extra security was added to help people feel safe attending the synagogue.

At the time, Jodorkovsky said he was concerned the synagogue would be targeted again.

“We are really hoping this is an isolated event, but at the same time very concerned that maybe this will grow,” he said.

Days after the incident Englebert said security needed to be upped, “in the short-term at least.”

Now, Pfefferle shared, “we are working directly with members of the synagogue to find a meaningful way for Mr. Clarke to make reparations and take responsibility.”

The lawyer also expressed gratefulness “for the compassion, empathy, and openness the community has shown in engaging in this dialogue.”

Though Pfefferle wrote the event was “negative and regrettable,” he finished the email by saying, “we are hopeful that the process ahead can produce understanding and constructive progress.”

— with files from 650 CKOM’s Mia Holowaychuk and 980 CJME’s Gillian Massie

Read more: