Police presence will be heightened in certain areas of the Greater Toronto Area following gunfire incidents directed at two synagogues in North York and Vaughan. This comes shortly after another synagogue, the Temple Emanu-El in North York, was also targeted. Toronto police are looking into the shooting at a synagogue near Bathurst St. and Glencairn Ave. that occurred just after midnight. Bullet holes were found in the front door of the building, but fortunately, no injuries were reported. The shooting in North York took place at the Shaarei Shomayim synagogue, as confirmed by Premier Doug Ford. York police responded to the incident at another synagogue near Clark Ave. and Thornhill Blvd. after suspects in a dark sedan fired shots. Deputy Chief Kevin McCloskey mentioned that no injuries were sustained, although two individuals were present during the shooting.
McCloskey condemned the hateful behavior and emphasized that hate and bigotry have no place in York Region, Ontario, or Canada. Investigations are ongoing to identify the suspects through video footage and evidence. Although there is no confirmed link between the two incidents, authorities are collaborating to determine any potential connections. Enhanced patrols will be conducted near faith-based institutions, community centers, schools, and public spaces, as stated by York police Const. Lisa Moskaluk. A command post has been established at the Promenade Mall in Thornhill to address public concerns arising from the shooting.
Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca expressed concern over the incident at the Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto synagogue and urged for concrete actions against antisemitism. Leaders are called upon to denounce such acts and enforce hate crime legislation. The safety of the Jewish community remains a priority, as emphasized by Israel’s ambassador to Canada, Iddo Moed. Political figures, including Premier Doug Ford and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, have condemned the shootings and pledged support to combat antisemitism. Federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre and Prime Minister Mark Carney have also voiced solidarity with the Jewish community and vowed to address antisemitic violence.
It is crucial for authorities to take immediate action to ensure the safety and security of all communities.