Officials vow united response to spate of 'hateful' synagogue attacks across GTA

· Toronto Sun

Days after shots were fired at three synagogues in the GTA, local, provincial and federal officials stood alongside Jewish leaders to speak out in a united response to the “hateful” attacks.

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No one was injured in the three shootings , which targeted two synagogues in North York and one in Vaughan, but the incidents have shaken the Jewish community in the GTA.

Standing outside the Shaarei Shomayim Congregation in North York — one of three Jewish places of worship hit by gunfire over the last week — Toronto Deputy Mayor Michael Colle, Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner and federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree condemned the shootings and vowed to collaborate to combat anti-Jewish hate.

“When they attack synagogues, they attack Canada,” Anandasangaree said.

“I condemn this in the strongest possible terms. This is unacceptable. The forms of antisemitism we see that’s turning into violence is not the Canadian way.”

Stronger action urged by solicitor general

The MP, who represents the riding of Scarborough—Guildwood—Rouge Park, said that the federal government will continue working with local law enforcement and other levels of government to address hate crimes and vowed to strengthen laws against such crimes.

Ontario’s solicitor general also urged stronger government action against antisemitism.

Kerzner said he was looking forward to the return of Ontario’s legislature later this month so MPPs could begin debating Bill 75, which he said would hold offenders, including those involved in hate crimes, accountable.

Police chief vows ‘relentless’ action

At the news conference, Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw said investigators are dedicated to catching those responsible for the North York shootings.

“We are going to be relentless and leave no stone unturned and every resource necessary will be brought,” Demkiw said.

He noted that the synagogue shootings followed similar ones targeting the Jewish community in past years.

“This is completely appalling and we are treating this with the utmost seriousness,” Demkiw said.

He also said Toronto Police will continue to maintain a visible presence around Jewish institutions.

Regarding the Shaarei Shomayim investigation, the chief urged anyone with information or video footage to contact police.

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Toronto’s mayor noticeably absent at gathering

While Colle represented city officials at Sunday’s briefing, Mayor Olivia Chow was reportedly at the Toronto Zoo’s Polar Plunge.

Chow had condemned the shootings in social media posts on X and released a joint video statement with Demkiw on Saturday.

“This is a violent act of intimidation and part of a pattern of emboldened antisemitism that has no place in Toronto. It must be stopped,” the mayor said.

“Every antisemitic act cuts against the heart of the city.”

Three synagogues targeted by shootings

Toronto Police said the Shaarei Shomayim synagogue shooting happened shortly after midnight Saturday, minutes after gunshots were fired at the Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto synagogue in Thornhill.

Days before the two incidents, Temple Emanu-El in North York was also struck by gunfire.

At the update on Sunday, York Regional Police Deputy Chief Kevin McCloskey said “very significant efforts” are being taken to investigate the shootings and that his force and Toronto Police have agreed to increase their collaboration in investigating such incidents.

McCloskey and Demkiw have both said their officers are looking to see if the shootings are connected.

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