Gunfire Strikes Two Synagogues in Greater Toronto Area

Police are stepping up their presence in the Greater Toronto Area after gunfire was reported at two synagogues in North York and Vaughan.

This follows a shooting earlier this week at another North York synagogue, Temple Emanu-El, which occurred on Monday.

According to police spokesperson Shannon Eames, the Toronto police are looking into shots fired at a synagogue near Bathurst St. and Glencairn Ave. shortly after midnight.

Officers found bullet holes in the front door of the building, but fortunately, no one was hurt, as per information shared on social media by the police.

The shooting in North York happened at Shaarei Shomayim synagogue, as confirmed by Premier Doug Ford via social media.

York police responded just before midnight when suspects in a dark sedan reportedly “opened fire” at another synagogue located near Clark Ave. and Thornhill Blvd., said Deputy Chief Kevin Mc Closkey during a Saturday news conference.

While there were no injuries reported, two people were inside the building at that time, he added.

Toronto police say they’re investigating after gunshots were discovered in the front door of a North York synagogue. (Jacob Estrin/CBC)

“This kind of hate and behavior is absolutely despicable; I’m here feeling quite upset and angry,” he stated, noting multiple shots had been fired at the structure. “Hate and bigotry have no place in York Region, nor anywhere else in Ontario or Canada.”

Mc Closkey mentioned that investigators are currently gathering video footage and evidence to identify those responsible for the shooting.

Although there’s no indication that these two incidents are linked, both Mc Closkey and Toronto police have mentioned they’re collaborating to see if there’s any connection between them on social media.

Additions patrols will be active around “faith-based institutions, community centers, schools, and public gathering spots,” according to an emailed statement from York police Const. Lisa Moskaluk.

The York police have established a command post at Promenade Mall in Thornhill to address public concerns related to these shootings as indicated by their social media posts.

This command post was set up earlier this week along with extra patrols due to rising tensions stemming from events unfolding in the Middle East.

Both policing agencies are encouraging anyone who might have information to get in touch with investigators.

York police said there was evidence of bullet holes in the front door of a building in Vaughan after a late night shooting. (CBC)

Call for Action Over Thoughts and Prayers: Mayor

Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca confirmed via social media that the shooting incident occurred at Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto synagogue located in Thornhill.

He voiced his worries for Jewish residents potentially affected by this “hateful and antisemitic act.”

<p“Too much inactivity along with weak responses from many leaders have allowed such behavior to become normalized,” he remarked while adding that politicians will likely express their condemnation online Saturday but may not take meaningful action afterward.

< p“We're long past the point where words suffice. They're insufficient for this community; they're insufficient for me,” Del Duca expressed during a press conference.

It’s “absolutely horrific” hearing about three separate synagogue shootings happening within one week across GTA as stated by Sara Lefton, chief development officer at United Jewish Appeal Federation of Greater Toronto.

She pointed out these events pose threats not just to Jewish individuals but all Canadians.

Both Lefton and Del Duca urged government leaders across various levels to implement solid measures making it clear that antisemitism won’t be tolerated while also giving law enforcement necessary tools for preventing future incidents.

“This isn’t merely about thoughts or prayers,” emphasized Lefton. “We need collective action against hate alongside enforcing legislation regarding hate crimes.”

Beth Avraham Yosef of Toronto synagogue in Vaughan was one of two synagogues that were shot late Friday night. (CBC)

These calls for decisive actions echoed from Israel’s ambassador Iddo Moed who stressed ensuring safety amongst Canadian Jews should remain an essential priority shared by all.

He noted such shootings reflect an ongoing troubling global trend concerning antisemitic violence demanding constant vigilance response.

“These cowardly attacks targeting places of worship constitute abhorrent violent acts challenging our core values – safety dignity freedom regarding religion,” Moed stated through his announcement.

Ford indicated provincial authorities will cooperate with law enforcement ensuring protection surrounding places dedicated towards worshipping activities.

“Such cowardly hateful acts aim solely towards creating intimidation instilling fear,” remarked Ford further stating “Antisemitism has zero place within Ontario’s borders.”

“We’ll consistently support Canada’s Jewish community,” he reiterated strongly thereafter

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow condemned both occurrences describing them through her social media platforms as “disgusting displays embodying antisemitism hate intimidation”.Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca urged provincial federal governments alike taking tangible actions combating anti-Semitism providing appropriate resources available towards local officers preventing additional acts targeted against faith communities without delay.

She insisted incidents occurring aimed primarily against Jewish institutions must cease immediately promising assistance guaranteeing enough backing extended towards maintaining public safety efforts henceforth<.

<p“I’ve witnessed repeated increases concerning anti-Jewish sentiments emerge throughout our city corresponding directly alongside international conflicts ongoing today.” Chow asserted firmly , reminding everyone involved it remains completely unacceptable directing harm onto [the ]Jewish populace now or ever before.

The Conservative party leader Pierre Poilievre articulated his disappointment voicing solidarity among members belonging towards Jewish circles over prevalent recent occurrences seen reflected upon current affairs- posting critiques highlighting government responsibilities focusing heavily upon ensuring citizen safety prevailing above everything else.

. In another online message , Prime Minister Mark Carney categorized these alarming trends viewed recently affecting civil liberties enjoyed equally by all individuals residing here calling attention forth openly denouncing criminal activities perpetrated thus undermining rights granted under our national constitution safeguarding freedom concerning worship every day around us continually.

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