Two synagogues in the GTA became targets of gunfire overnight, triggering police investigations in both North York and Vaughan. Toronto police responded to a shooting at a synagogue near Bathurst Street and Glencairn Avenue shortly after midnight. Officers found bullet holes in the front door of the building. York Regional Police were called to the area of Clark Avenue and York Hill Boulevard just before midnight following reports of shots fired. Police discovered evidence of gunfire at the Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto synagogue. No injuries were reported in either incident.
Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca expressed his concern for Jewish residents and condemned the act as "hateful and anti-semitic". Constable Lisa Moskaluk of the York Regional Police stated that additional patrols will be deployed in the community near faith-based institutions, community centers, schools, and public gathering places. Police indicated that a dark sedan was seen in the vicinity of the Vaughan shooting at the time of the incident.
These incidents follow a similar shooting on Monday night at Temple Emanu-El in North York, shortly after a Purim celebration. Rabbi Debra Landsberg, who was inside the synagogue during the shooting, expressed her shock and emphasized the importance of community unity. Noah Shack, CEO of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), stated that "all Canadians should be alarmed" and called for vigilance against rising extremism. Adam Minsky, president and CEO of UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, noted that this is the fourth time a Jewish institution has been targeted by gunfire in Toronto in the past two years.
The Toronto Police hate crime unit is investigating the North York incident. Authorities are urging anyone with information or relevant video footage to contact the police. These acts of violence are prompting increased security measures and a call for greater vigilance within the Jewish community and across the GTA.
