Jewish communities all over the country are in disbelief following the shooting at a synagogue in Belleville on Sunday night.
Around 7:10 p. m. at the Sons of Jacob Synagogue, congregants were gathered inside for Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, when gunfire erupted, shattering the stained-glass windows of the sanctuary. Thankfully, the service was running late, and attendees were still lighting candles in the vestibule.
The shooter, identified as 29-year-old Sean Ward, used a shotgun to fire at both the glass window and Belleville Police Service Const. Jeff Smith, who was stationed outside. The Special Investigations Unit reported that about 20 to 30 shots were fired.
Both Ward and Smith sustained injuries and were quickly transported to Kingston General Hospital.
As of last reports, Smith was in critical but stable condition while Ward passed away later that night in a Kingston hospital.
Debbie Fitzerman, president of the Kingston Jewish Council, shared how upset and angry many people are after this event.
“We’re still in a state of shock. How could this happen, especially in Belleville?” said Fitzerman. “It’s insulting on top of it all.”
Fitzerman mentioned she had a friend inside the synagogue at that time. Her friend messaged her to share what was happening and that everyone inside was lying on the floor.
“It’s bad enough when you read it in the news, but when you hear about it from somebody directly affected that you know, it was very distracting. Yom Kippur is a day of atonement, so you think back on how you can make yourself better and how you’re going to improve and move on. It’s a very contemplative day,” said Fitzerman.
She noted that police patrol synagogues during Jewish High Holidays to ensure safety during times of heightened threat and large gatherings.
“How sick is it that you need armed police to enter your place of worship?” Fitzerman asked. “But it’s a fact of life.”
Rabbi Erin Polansky from Beth Israel Congregation in Kingston learned about the shooting while conducting her own service. While it was traumatic news for her, Polansky remarked that sadly it felt believable given today’s climate.
“This is what we’ve been experiencing for at least three years now but has definitely intensified since October seventh,” said Rabbi Polansky.
On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas initiated attacks against Israel during Shabbat and Simchat Torah celebrations within Jewish communities. Hamas is recognized as a terrorist organization by Canada.
The unexpected assault began early morning while families were home or preparing for their synagogue celebrations.
“Most coverage regarding Israel tends to be negative and spreads lies about Israel and Jews which radicalizes people,” Rabbi Polansky stated. She expressed her desire for more accurate representations regarding events not only from Oct. 7 but also leading up to them.
“I’d like to see Hamas individuals labeled as terrorists rather than combatants or warriors. I want true accounts highlighting humanitarian efforts made by Israeli forces towards Palestinian people rather than unfortunate statements made by certain right-wing members which don’t reflect broader policies or philosophies,” said Polansky.
She described their community as an extended family supporting one another without allowing anyone to divide them during their celebrations or traditions.
Monday night marked Yom Kippur’s conclusion; members walked from their synagogue down towards Lake Ontario according to Polansky who noted strong attendance along with support from Kingston’s Chief of Police among other officers present there too.
“The Jewish community has survived thousands upon thousands years facing similar opposition & attacks-yet here we stand today! This resilience showcases miracles associated with being part this culture-no one will take away our traditions!” proclaimed Polansky proudly. “We refuse allow others dictate terms our observance.”
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