Police boost presence at synagogues across GTHA for Passover

The Jewish community in Hamilton and around the world began observing the major holiday of Passover last night. But as the community celebrates, there’s also concerns about safety following two shootings at GTA synagogues last month.

Passover is an eight-day holiday to celebrate and remember the escape of the Jewish people from slavery in ancient Egypt.

The first two nights of Passover are also marked by a ceremonial dinner called a Seder.

But celebrations around the world looked a little bit different in recent years, with a close eye kept on security this holiday season as communities around the world react to the ongoing war between Israel, the United States and Iran.

“Incidents that happen outside of Hamilton do have an effect on the Hamilton Jewish community,” said Glenn Mannella, regional security advisor for the Hamilton Jewish Federation.

“Ever since the Oct. 7 attacks, there has been an increase in online rhetoric, even locally, and incidents locally targeting the Jewish community – whether it’s graffiti, whether it’s online comments, whether it’s protests near Jewish neighbourhoods,” said Mannella.

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Hamilton police’s most recent report shows that hate crimes and incidents against Jewish people in the city were up by 20 per cent in 2024, compared to the year prior with 53 incidents reported.

And the community was shaken just last month following a series of shootings at synagogues just down the QEW in Toronto and North York.

As a result, Toronto police say the public can expect to see more officers in residential areas, grocery stores and of course at synagogues.

Here in Hamilton, police say there are additional uniformed officers at Jewish places of worship and community centres for this long holiday weekend.

Hamilton police say these officers are stationed at the request of local Jewish institutions, and are paid-duty officers — meaning they are off-duty members who voluntarily work on these assignments and are compensated by the organization.

Halton police also increased officer presence at cultural sites at the beginning of last month, and say that continues as “world events remain unsettled.”

The Hamilton Jewish Federation encourages its community to still celebrate Passover and attend local events.

“Just be aware of your surroundings. And we always tell people: if you see something suspicious, report it to the police,” said Mannella.

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