The Toronto Police Service is investigating after gunshots were reportedly fired at a synagogue last night.
Officers received reports at around 10.50pm local time that shots had been fired at the shul in the administrative district of North York and found evidence of gunfire and damage to the synagogue, according to force spokeswoman Stephanie Miceli.
No injuries were reported, and no description of a suspect was provided.
Local media has identified the synagogue has Temple Emanu-El, an egalitarian Reform congregation.
“In relation to last night’s incident, I can confirm this involved a synagogue in the area. This is being investigated as a targeted incident,” Miceli said.
The department’s integrated gun and gang task force is working with the hate crimes unit on the investigation, she added.
“We understand that incidents like this are deeply concerning for members of the Jewish community,” Micelli continued.
“Our investigators are actively working to determine the circumstances surrounding the firearm discharge, and we are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness.”
Since October 7, Toronto Police Service has maintained an increased presence in Jewish neighbourhoods and around places of worship and community, but it stepped up patrols over the weekend to provide “provide reassurance and support” after the US and Israel launched join airstrikes on Iran.
The Jewish Security Network of Greater Toronto, confirmed that the synagogue was damaged and urged the community to “exercise heightened vigilance and awareness at this time”.
It added: “As we continue to liaise with law enforcement, community members can expect to see increased security measures.”
Speculation on social media that a second synagogue was attacked on Monday appear to refer to damage from an incident that was reported in November: “There was no firearm discharge that occurred at this location this morning or last night,” Micelli said.
Michael Levitt, president and CEO of the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centre, said he was “horrified” by the incident.
“A Jewish house of worship. In our city. Targeted with bullets,” he said. “Call this what it is. Antisemitic violence. And the worst part? None of us should be shocked.”
“For months, the warning signs have been there. The threats. The normalisation. The excuses. When antisemitism is tolerated or minimised, it escalates. It always does,” he added.
“This is not just an attack on Jews. It is an attack on who we are as a country. On the promise that people of every faith can gather openly and safely.”
The perpetrator must be prosecuted and then face consequences, he insisted: “Government at every level must ensure Jewish institutions are visibly protected and that antisemitic violence is treated as the serious national threat it is,” he said. “This is not our Canada.”
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