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Hamilton’s Jewish community shaken amid string of GTA synagogue shootings
Hamilton’s Jewish community is becoming one of many taking precautions following the recent string of shootings at multiple synagogues across the Greater Toronto Area.
On Sunday, local leaders, government officials and Toronto police condemned the attacks and pledged to use as many resources as it can to prevent more from happening.
Many who are concerned about safety believe it will take more than just police monitoring to prevent shootings or other acts of violence.
Monday, concerns have spread across Canada, including here in Hamilton.
It’s a quiet day outside of Anshe Shalom Temple in Westdale Monday afternoon.
But, members of Hamilton’s Jewish community believe places of worship should not be taken for granted today.
“If this isn’t the moment, then I don’t know when the moment will be,” says Gustavo Rymberg, CEO of the Hamilton Jewish Federation. “Like I said, we’re in an emergency and we have to act immediately.”
Rymberg says local synagogues and organizations are having to shell out their own money for security as communities across Canada and the world react to the ongoing war in the Middle East.
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Reaction that has seen violent and scary outcomes at places of worship, schools and other facilities.
“There’s nothing that will stop these perpetrators. So, I think it comes down to security, I think the government should give much more resources, economic resources for security, not only for jewish organizations but everyone who needs it,” says Rymberg.
Police forces in our area are responding to the escalation.
A Hamilton Police Spokesperson tells CHCH News that “We have requested an increased patrol presence around places of worship in the city considering what has happened in Toronto. We have also been in touch with the Jewish community to provide support.”
Halton police say “in response to world events, we have increased our officer presence and are continuing to work together with our Jewish community maintaining an open dialogue and offering support.”
Niagara police added “at this time, there are no known threats to our community. Out of an abundance of caution, we have increased visible patrols in key areas, including places of worship and community spaces.”
Precautionary measures follow a string of shootings at Toronto-area synagogues this weekend.
“We are shaken to our core,” says Sara Lefton with the United Jewish Appeal Federation of Greater Toronto. “This is the third shooting of a synagogue, in a 5 day period. It’s beyond anything we could’ve imagined.”
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Bullet holes can be seen outside of three, separate synagogues in Toronto’s mid-town, North York and Thornhill from the weekend, prompting Toronto and York police to ramp up police presence across the regions.
“I look forward to meeting with members of our jewish community this week,” says Premier Doug Ford. “Our government is working with police as well as all levels of government to ensure that places of worship are protected and those responsible are held accountable.”
Government officials continue to promise a response to the violent acts, but local community leaders say it will take more words and boots on the ground to keep people safe.
“Building up the security infrastructure, to keep people safe, is just the bare minimum threshold that we need to meet,” says Noah Shack, CEO of the Centre of Israel and Jewish Affairs. “We can’t just be focused on bullet proof glass, fences, cameras.”
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