Jewish community members are calling on the Canadian government and residents to take a stance against hate and antisemitism after three synagogues were hit by gunfire this week in the Greater Toronto Area.
No one was injured and suspects have not been identified in the two shootings in North York and one in Vaughan, according to Toronto and York police.
There’s been escalating hate and violence towards the Jewish community over the past two years, said Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs CEO Noah Shack at a news conference outside the Shaarei Shomayim Synagogue, which was shot at earlier this week.
“Canada is at a crossroads,” he said, as police, politicians and other Jewish community members stood by him at a podium.
That same pattern of violence was seen in Australia and eventually led to the deadly events at Bondi Beach on Dec. 14, 2025, said Shack.
“We have a clear choice to make whether we are going to be a city, province, country that buries its head in the sand and tolerates this kind of intimidation,” he said.
WATCH | Two synagogues were hit with gunfire in overnight weekend shootings:
Police investigating after 2 GTA synagogues hit by gunfire overnight
Toronto and York police are investigating after 2 GTA synagogues were struck by gunfire in the early hours of Saturday. CBC’s Naama Weingarten has the latest.
Shack is calling on the government to take “concrete action” against antisemitism and for Canadians to stand with the Jewish community to push back on leadership to not accept hate of any kind.
The events of this past week are shocking, but not surprising given the trajectory of hate and violence towards Jewish people in Canada lately, said Sara Lefton, chief development officer of the United Jewish Appeal Federation of Greater Toronto.
“We are shaken to our core at this moment,” she said. “It’s beyond anything that we could have imagined.”
She called on “every part of Canadian society” to take action against the discrimination towards the Jewish community.
Beth Avraham Yosef of Toronto synagogue in Vaughan was one of two synagogues that were shot late Friday night. (CBC)
Lefton also said police services and all levels of government need to come together for “specific commitments” and for funding to help the community feel secure.
“It’s not enough to say our thoughts and prayers are with the Jewish community. This is not a Jewish issue, this is a Canadian issue,” said Lefton.
Proactive action is being taken by police agencies across the country, including Winnipeg and Vancouver, to increase patrols at Jewish community organizations and synagogues.
‘Not the Canadian way’: federal minister
Gun shots were visible through “three layers” of the building during a tour of one of the synagogues, said federal public safety minister Gary Anandasangaree.
He strongly condemned the shootings within the last week.
“The forms of antisemitism we see that’s turning into violence is not the Canadian way,” he said.
“When they attack a synagogue, they attack Canada. They attack the institutions in Canada, including places of worship.”
Anandasangaree said the federal government and law enforcement agencies will work together to support the community and respond to the incidents.
While he acknowledged that the government has work to do, Anandasangaree said they would improve access to grants for community groups and strengthen laws that punish hate.
WATCH | Jewish community ‘horrified’ earlier this week after first shooting:
Community ‘horrified’ after North York synagogue shooting
Toronto police are investigating after shots were fired at a North York synagogue. CBC’s Greg Ross spoke to members of the community who say they are “shocked and horrified.”
Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner said the province will leave no stone unturned when it comes to providing legislation and regulations for public safety.
“A threshold of decency has been crossed,” he said, adding that he was a “proud” member of the Jewish community.
He thanked representatives of all levels of government at the news conference for their unity against antisemitism.
When the Ontario legislature returns later this month, Kerzner said he looked forward to debating Bill 75 with colleagues. It will include “the concept of barrier free” protests, he said, which could restrict protesters from disturbing “key infrastructure,” such as bridges, places of worship and transit stations.
‘Leave no stone unturned’: Toronto, York police
Toronto Deputy Mayor Mike Colle said he and Coun. James Pasternak have been urging the provincial and federal governments to help establish a taskforce against antisemitism for the past three years.
“We have not received it,” he said, adding only the Toronto police have “been on the job” with a command post to protect the community.
“They cannot do this alone. This is not a local police matter,” he said. “It’s not good enough to make speeches or propose laws now.”
Colle said support from the Ontario Provincial Police, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Canadian Security Intelligence Service is needed to address violence that’s “terrorizing” the city.
Toronto police say they’re investigating after gunshots were discovered in the front door of a North York synagogue. (Jacob Estrin/CBC)
“An attack on one of our communities is an attack on all of us,” said Toronto police Chief Myron Demkiw. “We’re going to be relentless and leave no stone unturned.”
Toronto police have increased patrols throughout the community, especially near synagogues, he said. Anyone with information into the incidents are urged to reach out to police.
“Very significant efforts” are being taken to investigate the “disturbing” shootings, said York police Deputy Chief Kevin McCloskey.
He said York and Toronto police services have agreed to increase their collaboration to act on the incidents. Demkiw said they will also look to see if the shootings are connected.
Police presence has been increased outside all faith-based places of worship in York Region, he said.