Synagogue hosting Toronto\u2019s longest-running Jewish congregation latest victim of city\u2019s serial antisemitism<\/p>\n
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Published Mar 11, 2026 \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 Last updated 3\u00a0hours ago \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 3 minute read<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n You can save this article by registering for free here<\/a>. Or sign-in<\/a> if you have an account.<\/p>\n Another day, another antisemitic attack.<\/p>\n Advertisement 2<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY<\/p>\n Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.<\/p>\n SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.<\/p>\n REGISTER \/ SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.<\/p>\n THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.<\/p>\n Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authors<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n It\u2019s no longer a question of will the Jewish community face antisemitic attacks, it\u2019s a matter of when<\/a>. It happens most weeks and many times for days in a row.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n So it was not lost on anybody involved that another Toronto synagogue had been vandalized on the very day federal cabinet ministers were set to announce special emergency funding to help the Jewish community fend off violent attacks<\/a>.<\/p>\n The synagogue hosting Toronto\u2019s longest-running Jewish congregation was the one struck this time after almost three years of serial antisemitism that has not only plagued the city, but been allowed to continue as well<\/a>. While Holy Blossom Temple was thankfully not shot up like three other GTA shuls<\/a> have been over the last week, signs were defaced at the front of the property \u2013 specifically a sign that reminded people the property is protected by a bubble zone bylaw for protests.<\/p>\n Your Midday Sun<\/p>\n Thanks for signing up!<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Advertisement 3<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n In a letter addressed to congregants, Rabbi Yael Splansky, executive director Rachel Malach and board chair Eric Roher wrote \u201covernight, two of the three signs posted outside the temple referencing the City of Toronto\u2019s recently established \u2018bubble zone bylaw\u2019 were removed, zip ties cut and were found on the ground (Wednesday) morning. There was no damage to the building and the matter has been reported to the Jewish Security Network and the Toronto Police Service, who have further increased patrols.\u201d<\/p>\n No one is suggesting this was as serious as the recent shooting incidents or equated to major vandalism. But it still is seriously disrespectful. In light of the times<\/a>, it is also concerning. It\u2019s also another example of how in 2026 anything goes in Toronto when it comes to Jewish places of worship, schools or businesses.<\/p>\n Advertisement 4<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n You will hear a whole lot of words of regret and even dismay about that from politicians. You won\u2019t often hear many words on what can be done about it. But on Wednesday, there was some positive, meaningful and appropriate action from the federal government.<\/p>\n Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree detailed a \u201cdedicated investment\u201d of up to $10 million to be provided to eligible organizations through the Canada Community Security Program. It will assist Jewish communities in \u201cenhancing the security of their gathering spaces, including schools, daycares, overnight camps and places of worship.\u201d<\/p>\n This is needed and long overdue.<\/p>\n RECOMMENDED VIDEO We apologize, but this video has failed to load.<\/p>\n Play Video Before Anandasangaree\u2019s announcement, fellow Liberal MP Evan Solomon, the minister of artificial intelligence and digital innovation, addressed the vandalism at Holy Blossom.<\/p>\n Advertisement 5<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n \u201cJewish Canadians across Canada of all ages deserve to feel safe where they live, learn, play and worship,\u201d said Solomon. \u201cThis investment will support strengthening institutions and is meaningful action to protect the community from hate.\u201d<\/p>\n Anandasangaree said the Mark Carney government is \u201cunwavering in its quest to keep Canadians safe\u201d in the face of hate.<\/p>\n \u201cNo one in Canada should ever feel unsafe because of who they are, how they pray or the community they belong to,\u201d he said. \u201cJewish communities have been increasingly targeted for hate crimes and impacted by rising hate-related incidents. Through the Canada Community Security Program, our government is providing the resources organizations need to strengthen their security and protect the people they serve.\u201d<\/p>\n Advertisement 6<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n It is believed that this financial commitment will allow a synagogue to receive financial help to hire more paid-duty police officers or put other security measures in place. One suggestion would be to start a pilot project to deploy drones around high-value targets to deter potential attacks and offer better surveillance.<\/p>\n Whatever measures are taken, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs CEO Noah Shack said the investment is welcome news.<\/p>\n \u201cEvery day, Canadians are waking up to news of another shooting attack,\u201d he said. \u201cMultiple shootings at Toronto-area synagogues were not isolated incidents, but the latest in an escalating surge of hate, harassment and violence targeting Jewish Canadians.<\/p>\n Advertisement 7<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n The government can\u2019t free up that money fast enough because if recent history has shown, there is an urgent need for help within the Jewish community.<\/p>\n Every time the sun sets, people worry about just what could happen next.<\/p>\n Read More<\/p>\n WARMINGTON: Shooting at U.S. consulate changes game in Toronto protesting’s future<\/p>\n![\"Public](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/public-safety6860-e1773268602205.jpg\")
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree looks on as Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Minister Evan Solomon speaks during a press conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Photo by Blair Gable \/Postmedia NetworkArticle content<\/p>\n![\"Toronto](\"https:\/\/dcs-static.gprod.postmedia.digital\/20.7.1\/websites\/images\/identity\/logo-identity-tsun.svg\"){kind=logo}
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One of the signs vandalized at the Holy Blossom Temple in Toronto on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.Temple says it reported incident to police<\/p>\n![\"Loading...\"](\"https:\/\/dcs-static.gprod.postmedia.digital\/20.7.1\/websites\/images\/common\/icon-spinner-animated.svg\"){kind=icon}
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Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Minister Evan Solomon speaks during a news conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Photo by Blair Gable \/Postmedia NetworkJews \u2018deserve to feel safe:\u2019 Solomon<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/PJT-Holy-Blossom-Temple-Synagogue-3-e1773268318919.jpg\")
The Holy Blossom Temple synagogue, located at 1950 Bathurst St., in Toronto, Friday July 25, 2025. Photo by Peter J. Thompson \/Postmedia NetworkWelcome news for Jewish community<\/p>\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773283214_528_Screenshot-2026-03-10-114007.png\")
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