UJA Federation of Greater Toronto

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Toronto Police will have an increased presence in Jewish communities and places of worship for Passover, including rotating command posts. Community members are encouraged to stop by with any questions or concerns – we’re here to help.

Tonight, Jews worldwide will gather around the seder table to celebrate the first night of Passover. Passover reminds us that freedom is not only something we remember—it’s something we live. It is both collective and deeply personal, shaping not just our history, but who we are today, and calling us to stand firm in our identity even when the world pulls in different directions. As we gather at the seder, we are invited to reflect on the meaning of true freedom: the strength to remain authentic, the resilience passed down through generations, and the responsibility that comes with being part of an enduring people. Chag Pesach Sameach. Read the full reflection by Adam Minsky, President & CEO, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto: jewishtoronto.com/news-media/the…

We’re proud to share an important community win: As of March 27, 2026, Samidoun has been officially dissolved. This outcome reflects sustained, determined advocacy by CIJA, supported by thousands across our community, to ensure Canada has the tools needed to confront organizations linked to terrorism. With the adoption of the 2025 federal budget, the government now has clear authority to dissolve corporations identified as listed terrorist entities under the Criminal Code. We appreciate Industry Minister Joly’s role in advancing this necessary, long-overdue step. Organizations and individuals tied to terrorism have no place operating under the protection of Canadian law. The government must continue using all available tools to protect Canadians. More details: ised-isde.canada.ca/cc/lgcy/fdrlCr…

In response to today’s announcement by the Toronto Police Service establishing a new Counter-Terrorism Security Unit and launching Task Force Guardian, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) and the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto (UJA) issued the following statement: cija.ca/jewish_leaders…

In light of recent reporting, we want to share an update on the threat environment facing Jewish communities in Canada. The assessment from Canada’s Integrated Threat Assessment Centre (ITAC) reflects insights from the National Security Agency and signals increased vigilance—not a prediction of a specific attack. There is no knowledge of a specific or imminent threat at this time. Nothing has changed as of today. Our community has been navigating and actively responding to this heightened risk environment for some time. Security continues to be strengthened through the Jewish Security Network (JSN), in close coordination with law enforcement and Public Safety Canada. Broader advocacy efforts continue through CIJA. With Passover approaching, JSN, UJA, and CIJA are working with government partners to support increased community activity. You may notice increased security and police presence around Jewish institutions. Funding is in place until April 11 to help offset the cost of guards and paid-duty officers for eligible institutions. We encourage everyone to: • Actively participate in community life and activities • Stay vigilant and report any concerns • Follow guidance from trusted organizations and sources • Continue participating in Jewish life with pride If you witness suspicious activity or have a concern, contact JSN’s 24/7 Security Hotline: 437-222-3999. In an emergency, call 911. Our focus remains clear: ensuring our community is protected, prepared, and able to live Jewish life openly and safely.

Earlier this afternoon, CIJA along with @bnaibrithcanada and @UJAFederation sent a joint letter demanding that the Toronto Police Service take immediate, decisive action to protect our communities and enforce the law against hate and incitement. Toronto's safety depends on it. Read the full letter here: cija.ca/joint_letter_c…

At protests at Bathurst & Sheppard, extremists openly made threats of violence, glorified terrorism, and depicted Jews as sub-human — yet no arrests have been announced. After multiple attacks on our community, many are asking why the law is not being enforced. Toronto Police Service must do better. Take two minutes to send a message to Chief Demkiw and demand action: actionhub.ca/alert/demand-a…

Al Quds Day was created in 1979 by the Islamic regime. Events rooted in the ideology of a regime that funds and arms terrorist groups send a chilling message to Jewish Canadians and undermines the sense of safety and belonging that every community deserves.  Communities should not be left in a situation where the failure to enforce the law in the past becomes the reason authorities cannot act decisively today. Read our full statement here: cija.ca/extremist_al_q…

We commend the Premier of Ontario @fordnation and the provincial government for taking decisive action to stop the Al Quds Day rally planned for tomorrow, Saturday, March 14 in Toronto. The province will be filing an emergency injunction to protect public safety. In the past week alone, there have been six incidents of gunfire targeting synagogues, Jewish and Iranian-owned businesses, and the United States Consulate in Toronto, the planned location for this rally. Amidst rising threats and violence, every level of government must use every tool available to ensure the safety of residents. Click here to read our full statement: cija.ca/ontario_injunc…

CIJA CEO Noah Shack (@nshack) welcomes government investment of $10M toward Jewish Community Security and urges more action to confront sources of violence: “Every day, Canadians are waking up to news of another shooting attack. Multiple shootings at Toronto-area synagogues were not isolated incidents, but the latest in an escalating surge of hate, harassment and violence targeting Jewish Canadians. “The level of security now required to protect Jewish Canadians in Canada is shocking. These measures are necessary to ensure the safety of children going to school, families going to community centres, and people visiting their elderly parents. “Today’s announcement of emergency funding to address some of the immediate security needs of the Jewish community is an essential and welcome step at a time when Jewish Canadians face serious threats. “Moving forward, we urge the government to quickly fulfill its commitment to improve and significantly enhance funding for the Canada Community Security Program overall. “Protecting communities with security infrastructure is a fundamental responsibility of government. At the same time, these threats must also be addressed at their root, using every tool available. This includes enforcing current laws with consistency and ensuring perpetrators are brought to justice, and advancing new legislation, including the Combatting Hate Act and the criminalization of wilful promotion of terrorism, among other measures to protect Canadians. “It’s not just the Jewish community’s safety that’s at stake, but Canada’s national security and our Canadian way of life."

Thank you, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, for speaking out against the wave of Jew-hatred in our city. 💙

Toronto Police are investigating a firearm discharge overnight in the area of Bathurst St. and Glencairn Ave., where a synagogue was struck by gunfire. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported. Anyone with information, video, or dash camera footage is asked to contact Toronto Police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

Last night’s shooting at a synagogue in Vaughan is deeply troubling and completely unacceptable. Earlier this week, @YRP increased patrols and visible police presence across our communities, including at faith-based institutions, places of worship, community centres and public gatherings. Today and in the coming days, we are further stepping up patrols and dedicating additional resources on the ground to proactively combat crime and keep our communities safe. Nobody should feel unsafe in their own neighbourhood. Nobody should feel unsafe for who they are. York Region residents deserve better. York Regional Police is fully committed to restoring our community’s sense of safety and security, including identifying those responsible for these acts and bringing them to justice. If you know something about this crime, or have witnessed or been the victim of a hate crime or hate or bias incident, call police immediately. Visit yrp.ca to see a full list of command post deployments.

In keeping with our community’s values, we do not normally communicate on Shabbat. We are making an exception today to ensure the community receives accurate information directly from us. The Jewish Security Network’s (JSN) Security Operations Centre was notified of two incidents of gunfire that occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning. The first occurred at the BAYT synagogue on Clark Avenue in Thornhill, and the second at the Shaarei Shomayim synagogue on Glencairn Avenue in North York. No injuries have been reported. Police and JSN staff were on scene shortly after the incidents. There is a significant police presence at both locations, and officers will remain there throughout Shabbat. Police have also confirmed that additional resources are being deployed across the surrounding areas. We understand that many in the community may be feeling alarmed. Please know that JSN continues to work closely with police, synagogues and other community institutions across the region. Since the Hamas-led terror attacks of October 7, our community knows all too well that when tensions flare in the Middle East, we feel it here at home. CIJA has been actively engaging with municipal, provincial, and federal government officials to advocate for the safety and security of our community. JSN reminds the community to follow its general safety guidance, including staying aware of your surroundings, remaining vigilant at Jewish institutions and events, and cooperating with security personnel and law enforcement. Any suspicious activity, security concern, or incident should be reported immediately to 911 and to JSN’s 24/7 Security Operations Centre at 437-222-3999. Police are actively investigating these incidents. We will continue to update the community and the media as more information becomes available. Read our full update: jewishtoronto.com/news-media/com…

In the wake of the shooting at Temple Emanu-El this week, join us on Friday, March 6 at 11:00 AM for an important online briefing on community security. We will be joined by Toronto Police Deputy Chief Frank Barredo and Chief Superintendent Katherine Stephenson. During the briefing, you will have the opportunity to submit questions. This webinar will be moderated by Sara Lefton, UJA’s chief development officer, and will feature a security update from Jevon Greenblatt, executive director of the Jewish Security Network (JSN). Register now: ujafederation.zoom.us/webinar/regist…

“A shooting targeting a place of worship is unacceptable,” said Deputy Chief Rob Johnson in an update to media after a firearm discharge at Temple Emanu‑El in North York last night. This investigation is active and ongoing. Increased patrols remain in place. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-3300 or anonymously @1800222TIPS.

Last night, Toronto police reported that Temple Emanu-El in North York was struck by gunfire. The incident took place shortly after community members had left the synagogue, where they had gathered for a party to celebrate the holiday of Purim. “All Canadians should be alarmed by what’s happening in our country. This isn't solely a threat to the Jewish community—it's a threat to every Canadian who wants to live in peace and safety,” said Noah Shack, CEO of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs. “The escalation of intimidation and extremism targeting Jewish Canadians will inevitably lead to much worse—and the consequences are potentially lethal. As we witnessed in Australia, when incitement goes unchecked and synagogues are threatened, we can expect to see mass violence and tragedies that could have been prevented.” “Last night’s shooting takes place at a time when Iran’s Islamic regime poses a heightened threat to Jewish and Persian communities worldwide,” said Shack. “Security officials have warned for years that hostile foreign states, including the Islamic regime, are present here and are actively threatening Canadians. It is critical that authorities redouble measures to safeguard our country and all Canadians.” “This is the fourth time a Jewish institution has been targeted for gunfire in Toronto over the past two years, in addition to countless threats and acts of vandalism,” said Adam Minsky, president and CEO of UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. “Every day, families across our community carry deep concerns for the safety of their children. But we are resilient and refuse to be intimidated. We will continue to proudly celebrate Jewish life.” “UJA and the Jewish Security Network are assisting Temple Emanu-El, while coordinating with law enforcement and Jewish institutions across the region,” said Minsky. “Together with police, we have put into place robust security protocols and measures that are essential to ensuring Jewish community activities can continue over Purim and beyond. While this shouldn’t be necessary in a country like Canada, our community is well prepared.” Read our full statement here: jewishtoronto.com/news-media/tor…

Overnight, Temple Emanu-El at 120 Old Colony Road was targeted for gunfire. While the synagogue's building has been damaged, no injuries have been reported. Police are on-site and are investigating. Media have also reported on an alleged incident at nearby Kehillat Shaarei Torah (2640 Bayview Avenue). Toronto Police have confirmed to JSN that this information is inaccurate. Images of vandalism at Kehillat Shaarei Torah relate to a past incident, in which a hammer was used to smash the synagogue's windows. The Jewish Security Network of Greater Toronto is advising the community to exercise heightened vigilance and awareness at this time. JSN is supporting Temple Emanu-El and coordinating security at Jewish facilities across our community. As we continue to liaise with law enforcement, community members can expect to see increased security measures. If you see something, please say something. All security incidents and suspicious activity should be reported to 911 without delay. When safe, please contact JSN's 24/7 Security Operations Centre at 437-222-3999. Thank you for doing your part to keep our community safe. While details remain limited as police investigate, we will continue to keep you apprised of any critical security information.

Join us online tomorrow for a live community briefing during a rapidly evolving and deeply concerning moment. LIVE | Monday, March 2 | 12:00 PM As the situation continues to unfold, our community will hear directly from leaders in Israel and here at home—providing real-time updates, context, and insight into how this moment is affecting both Israel and our local community. In moments like this, staying informed matters—but so does staying connected. This briefing is an opportunity to hear, understand, and come together as a community. Register now: ujafederation.zoom.us/webinar/regist…