Police officials and political leaders gathered outside a synagogue in North York on Sunday morning, pledging a determined and ongoing investigation following gunfire incidents that targeted two synagogues in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Authorities also promised enhanced security measures for Jewish institutions as concern grows within the community.
The announcement came slightly more than 24 hours after shots were fired at the Shaarei Shomayim synagogue, located near Bathurst Street and Glencairn Avenue.
These events were part of two separate synagogue shootings that occurred within about an hour late Friday night and early Saturday morning, increasing anxiety among Jewish residents and prompting law enforcement agencies to boost patrols around community centers and places of worship.
Gunfire Targets Two Synagogues in North York and Thornhill
Authorities confirmed that two Jewish places of worship in the GTA were struck by gunfire overnight. The incidents happened in North York and Thornhill, and investigators are now working to determine whether the attacks are connected.
The first reported case involved Shaarei Shomayim synagogue in North York, where bullets pierced the front doors of the building. The attack caused visible damage to the structure but fortunately did not result in any injuries.
Shortly after the news conference on Sunday, media representatives were allowed inside the synagogue. Bullet holes were clearly visible in doors, walls, and windows, highlighting the seriousness of the incident.
Police have asked anyone who may have information, surveillance footage, or relevant details to contact investigators to assist in the case.
Police Chief Vows a “Relentless” Investigation
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw emphasized that investigators are committed to pursuing every possible lead in the case.
Speaking during the Sunday briefing, Demkiw assured the public that police will dedicate significant resources to solving the shootings.
“We will be relentless, leaving no stone unturned, and we will use every resource necessary,” Demkiw stated.
He also pointed out that the synagogue shooting follows a pattern of similar firearm incidents targeting Jewish communities in recent years, calling the situation deeply disturbing.
Authorities have clearly labeled the act as antisemitic and hate-motivated, and Demkiw stressed that such attacks will not be tolerated in Toronto.
“We’ve been very clear about the antisemitic and hateful nature of this act. We will not stand for it and we will not tolerate it,” he added.
To reassure residents, police have increased patrols and visibility around Jewish institutions across the city, including schools, synagogues, and community centers.
Demkiw acknowledged that the shootings have caused significant concern.
“We understand the fear and anger this creates within Toronto’s Jewish community,” he said, adding that enhanced security measures will remain in place.
Federal Public Safety Minister Condemns Antisemitic Violence
Canada’s Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree strongly denounced the attacks, describing them as part of a troubling trend of increasing antisemitic incidents.
He stated that violence motivated by antisemitism is completely unacceptable and contradicts Canadian values.
“I condemn this in the strongest possible terms. This is unacceptable,” he said.
According to the minister, the federal government will continue cooperating with police agencies and other levels of government to tackle hate-motivated crimes across the country.
Anandasangaree stressed that Jewish Canadians have the right to live without discrimination or antisemitism.
“Every Jewish Canadian deserves to live free from discrimination and antisemitism. When a synagogue is attacked, Canada itself is attacked.”
Thornhill Synagogue Shooting Also Under Investigation
Earlier the same night, another synagogue in Thornhill was also targeted by gunfire.
York Regional Police Deputy Chief Kevin McCloskey said investigators are still trying to determine if the two shootings are linked.
At present, there is no confirmed evidence suggesting that the same individuals carried out both incidents.
Police reported that at least six bullets struck the front entrance of the Beth Avraham Yosef of Toronto synagogue late Friday night.
Two individuals were inside the building when the shooting occurred, but no injuries were reported.
The investigation into this incident is also ongoing.
Toronto Mayor Condemns the Attacks
Although Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow did not attend Sunday’s briefing, she issued a statement the day before strongly criticizing the shootings.
Chow described the incidents as “disgusting acts of antisemitism, hate, and intimidation.”
She also reaffirmed that Toronto’s Jewish community has the right to practice their faith freely and safely, without facing threats, violence, or fear.
Conclusion
The shootings targeting two synagogues in North York and Thornhill have sparked widespread condemnation from law enforcement officials and government leaders.
Authorities have pledged a relentless investigation to identify those responsible while increasing security around Jewish institutions across the Greater Toronto Area.
As investigations continue, officials emphasize that antisemitism and hate-driven violence have no place in Canada, reaffirming the right of Jewish communities to live and worship safely without fear.
FAQs
What happened at the North York synagogue?
Gunfire struck the Shaarei Shomayim synagogue near Bathurst Street and Glencairn Avenue, damaging doors, walls, and windows. No injuries were reported.
Were there multiple synagogue shootings in the GTA?
Yes. Two separate incidents occurred within about an hour, targeting synagogues in North York and Thornhill.
Are the two shootings connected?
Police are investigating both cases, but there is currently no evidence confirming that the incidents are linked.