UJA Federation of Greater Toronto

On Remembrance Day, we honour the Canadians who served, fought, and sacrificed to defend the freedoms we enjoy today. Many of them paid the ultimate price so that future generations could live in freedom. To live openly no matter what religion or background we’re from. To raise our families in safety. And to live in a country where foreign conflicts are not imposed on us. Today, we remember those who served, those who never returned, and the families who carried the weight of their sacrifice. Including those who lost loved ones in the devasting fire last month at CFB Wainwright. We owe them more than our gratitude. We owe them our commitment to protect the freedoms they fought to defend. Lest we forget. May their memories be for a blessing.

CIJA and @UJAFederation Respond to Sentencing in GTA Synagogue Shootings Following the sentencing of a young offender to twoyears in a custodial facility followed by one year under supervision in the community—the maximum allowable sentence for these offences under the Youth Criminal Justice Act—for his involvement in the March 2026 shootings at Shaarei Shomayim and Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto (BAYT) synagogues, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) and UJA Federation of Greater Toronto (UJA) issued the following statement: “Today’s sentencing is an important step toward justice for Jewish families across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The court's decision to impose the maximum sentence available under the Youth Criminal Justice Act for these offences reflects the gravity of attacks that struck at the heart of our community. These were not just buildings that came under fire. They were places where families gather, children learn, and generations of Jewish Canadians have come together to practice their faith. As the judge recognized, these coordinated attacks on Jewish institutions left lasting fear across an entire community. These shootings did not happen in isolation. They followed almost three years of escalating antisemitism, intimidation, harassment, and violence against Jewish Canadians. Protests had moved into Jewish neighbourhoods, increasingly targeting synagogues, schools, and community centres. What began as intimidation has, in the most disturbing cases, escalated to gunfire directed at places of worship and schools. Today’s sentence sends an important message that this violence carries serious consequences. But it cannot be where accountability ends. “The young offender has been sentenced. The question now is who put him up to it. As Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw asked last summer: “Who’s paying for this?” He noted methods used in these shootings, including demands to film attacks, were consistent with criminal-for-hire operations involving individuals recruited through encrypted messaging apps. Those who recruit, direct, and finance such attacks must face justice, not just those who carry them out. The dangers posed by these criminal networks have already claimed the life of Constable Marc Pinizzotto, who was killed in the line of duty while executing a search warrant connected to the U.S. Consulate shooting and other linked attacks.” “The threat extends well beyond any one offender or any one attack. Canada's Integrated Threat Assessment Centre has warned that the increasingly frequent and normalized targeting of Jewish communities can drive susceptible individuals toward more violent acts. The shooting at Belleville’s Sons of Jacob synagogue on the eve of Yom Kippur is another stark reminder that Jewish communities, large and small, continue to face serious threats. “We cannot ignore the potential role of hostile foreign actors in fuelling violence on Canadian soil. The use of criminals-for-hire raises serious concerns over the threat posed by Iran’s Islamic regime here in Canada. Canadian intelligence has warned of a ‘realistic possibility’ that the Islamic regime is directing local criminal elements to target Canadians. Recent U.S. Treasury sanctions against eight Canadian businesses linked to Iranian sanctions evasion further underscore the reach of the regime’s networks in Canada and the urgent need to confront foreign-state threats, organized crime, and terrorism financing. We must determine whether these networks played a role in the attacks on our community and hold those responsible to account. “Canada is at a crossroads. The federal government's new National Security Strategy recognizes these evolving threats. But recognition alone will not protect Canadians. We need decisive action to prevent young people from being recruited into criminal networks, confront the role of antisemitism in motivating violence, and give police and security agencies the lawful tools and resources needed to identify and confront the threats posed by Iran's regime and its proxies. “Today’s sentence is a significant step, but justice will not be complete if those behind these attacks remain free to recruit others and strike again. Jewish Canadians deserve more than accountability for the person who pulled the trigger. They deserve to know that those who ordered, financed, and enabled these attacks will be brought to justice.” Read our full statement here: cija.ca/youth_sentenced_syna…

As communities across the Greater Toronto Area prepare for new municipal government administrations, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) and @UJAFederation are calling on elected leaders to make public safety, accountability, and the protection of all residents clear priorities. With Olivia Chow re-elected as Mayor of Toronto, attention now turns to the commitments made during the campaign and the work still ahead. During the campaign, Mayor Chow outlined plans to build on policing investments, expand security funding for vulnerable institutions, and continue efforts to address antisemitism and hate. These are important responsibilities, and the next term of council presents an opportunity to demonstrate sustained progress through consistent enforcement, stronger accountability, and tangible improvements in community safety. While Toronto's mayoral race attracted considerable attention, these priorities extend well beyond Toronto City Hall. Across Vaughan, Markham, Mississauga, and municipalities throughout the GTA, elected officials have an important role in ensuring that public spaces are safe, that municipal services are delivered without discrimination, and that residents can participate fully in community life. Click here to read more: cija.ca/gta_elections_2026

Hate-Motivated Arson Targets Christian Ally of Toronto’s Jewish Community on October 7 Anniversary Toronto, ON—October 7, 2026—The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) and @UJAFederation issued the following joint statement today in response to a hate-motivated arson attack targeting Israeli flags at Faith International Christian Centre in North York, on the third anniversary of the October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel: "Today, on the third anniversary of October 7—the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust—Toronto’s Jewish community woke up to news that Israeli flags had been burned in a hate-motivated arson attack at a Christian institution. "Faith International Christian Centre has stood with the Jewish community and with Israel. To see that solidarity answered with fire is a disturbing reminder that hatred does not stop with Jews. Increasingly, those who stand beside us are being targeted too. "Burning Israeli flags outside a church is not simply an act of property destruction. It is an attack on people who had the courage to stand with their Jewish neighbours, and it reflects the broader radicalization Canada’s security agencies have repeatedly warned about — where lies, conspiracy theories, and hatred directed at Jews and Israelis can escalate into intimidation, violence, and terror. "We are deeply grateful to the Faith International Christian Centre and congregation for their friendship and solidarity, especially at a time when standing with the Jewish community can itself make people a target. "Today should be a day of remembrance — for the nearly 1,200 people murdered on October 7, 2023, for those taken hostage, and for the families and communities forever changed by that day. Instead, here in Toronto, we are once again confronting hatred directed not only at Jews, but at those who refuse to abandon us. "That should alarm every Canadian. When simply standing with the Jewish community carries a cost—when allies are intimidated, threatened, or attacked because they refuse to turn away—this is no longer only a Jewish problem. It is a threat to the kind of country we all want Canada to be. "We call on leaders at every level of government to condemn this attack unequivocally, to recognize the growing cost being imposed on those who stand with the Jewish community, and to confront the extremism that is making intimidation and violence increasingly commonplace." You can read the full release here: cija.ca/hate_motivated_arson

On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists murdered more than 1,200 people and took 250 innocent Israelis hostage, while committing widespread sexual violence. Among those murdered were eight Canadians. They were daughters and sons, mothers and friends. They were deeply loved, and three years later, their absence is still felt every day. Today, we remember the lives they lived and honour their memory, alongside all those murdered on October 7. Learn their stories: jewishcanada.org/israel-stor… May their memories be for a blessing.

CIJA and @UJAFederation of Greater Toronto Stand with the Jewish Community of Belleville: Less than two weeks after the Jewish community in Belleville endured the trauma of an attack against congregants gathering to pray on the eve of Yom Kippur, antisemitic flyers are reportedly being distributed in the city. This is more than hateful rhetoric. Libels and conspiracies about Jews and Israelis are fueling hate and violence against Canadians. Canada's security services have sounded the alarm of the current situation in which acts of antisemitism become so prevalent and frequent that they create an environment that influence extremists toward more violent pathways. We are grateful for the quick response by the Belleville Police Service in responding to this troubling development. Jewish Canadians are owed the basic standards that all Canadians deserve: to live, worship and participate in their communities without fear.

Canadians are waking up to deeply troubling reports of a potentially catastrophic attack against Israeli civilians, with brave passengers on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv preventing a far more deadly outcome. As we approach the three-year anniversary of Hamas’s October 7 terrorist attack—the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust—we are reminded of the serious threats facing innocent civilians worldwide, including here in Canada. In just the past week and a half, Canadians have witnessed an escalation in frequency and severity of plots, attacks and threats, including an ISIS-inspired chemical weapons plot in Quebec and the attack on the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville that, if not for the heroism of Constables Smith and McCurdy, would have been a mass-casualty incident. We urge the Canadian government to unequivocally condemn attacks targeting Israeli civilians and call on all levels of government to take concrete action to protect Canadians from the escalating threats of violent extremism and terrorism.

(2/2) Canada is at a precipice – one step closer to the tragedies witnessed in Bondi Beach, Manchester and Boulder – and our leaders must take urgent and concrete actions before it is too late: 1. Enforce the law and hold criminals accountable We strongly support Justice Minister Sean Fraser’s call to convene provincial and territorial Public Safety Ministers and Attorneys General to establish a coordinated plan to enforce existing and new hate laws. This meeting must be held without further delay. 2. Ensure vulnerable communities have the resources to protect themselves Urgently implement vital reforms to maximize the impact of the Canada Community Security Program are implemented with urgency, to ensure community institutions can access every tool necessary. 3. Confront the drivers of rising extremism Governments must confront extremist ideologies, organizations and foreign state actors that promote, finance or facilitate violence in Canada, including the documented threat posed by Iran and its proxies. Government policies and rhetoric targeting Israel do not occur in a vacuum. Leaders must heed warnings by Canadian security officials and experts about extremists using conspiracy theories about Jews and criticism of Israeli policies to fuel radicalization, antisemitism and violence. Constable Smith and Constable McCurdy stepped forward when it mattered most. Our political leaders must do the same.

(1/2) Belleville Police Announce Attack Against Sons of Jacob Synagogue as Hate Crime Targeting the Jewish Community Today, authorities confirmed that the attack against Belleville’s Sons of Jacob Synagogue was a hate crime targeting the Jewish community. In response, Noah Shack, @nshack CEO of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, issued the following statement: If not for the extraordinary bravery of Constable Jeff Smith, Canadians would have experienced the type of mass-casualty terror attack our security services have warned is a realistic possibility. We continue to pray for his full and speedy recovery. Today, Belleville Police released the name of a second officer that deserves our unending thanks. Constable Michael McCurdy quickly responded to shooting attack and saved countless lives. Constable Smith and Constable McCurdy’s heroism represent the very best of Canada. Their courage must now serve as a rallying call to elected officials at every level of government and to Canadians across the country to confront this growing threat to our national security and way of life. Police confirmed that this was a deliberate attack targeting members of the Jewish community and released video footage of the attacker stating, “You’re going to die for the Jews,” before the shooting began. Federal threat assessments have warned that “over the longer term, an environment in which the targeting of the Jewish community as a group frequently occurs and becomes more normalized will likely influence some susceptible individuals towards violent extremist pathways.” Extremists, like the gunman in Belleville, are being radicalized by conspiracy theories and libels about Jews to target Canadians.

Constable Jeff Smith put his life on the line protecting members of Belleville’s Jewish community as they gathered for Yom Kippur. Constable Smith represents the very best of Canada. When members of our community were in danger, he acted with courage and put himself in harm’s way to protect others. Constable Smith stood with us. Now it’s our turn to stand with him. Take a moment to thank him for his bravery and sacrifice, and support the fund for his recovery: 💙 Send a thank you: jewishtoronto.com/gratitude-… 💙 Donate: jewishcanada.org/belleville-… Our community is praying for his refuah shlemah — a full and speedy recovery.

JEWISH COMMUNITY GROUPS WELCOME ONTARIO ACTION TO HOLD UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES ACCOUNTABLE In response to the Government of Ontario’s announcement of new directives to strengthen accountability at Ontario universities under Bill 166, @HillelOntario , the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), the @CanadianFSWC , @UJAFederation , the Network of Engaged Canadian Academics, @AlliedVoicesIL , and @StandWithUsCA released the following joint statement: “The Ontario government has introduced new requirements to strengthen how colleges and universities respond to hate and discrimination on campus — including minimum requirements for policies and rules, clearer complaint processes including ensuring that regardless where complaints are submitted they are referred through the complaint’s mechanism process, anti-hate training, and new consequences for institutions that fail to comply. "At Toronto Metropolitan University, Justice Benotto found that existing policies were too often not enforced “consistently and decisively.” These new measures reinforce a simple principle: institutions must not only have rules, they must enforce them. "We have consistently called for stronger accountability and meaningful consequences when institutions fail to protect students or enforce their own policies. "As Jewish students face harassment, exclusion and discrimination on campuses across Ontario, including through antizionist behaviour, policies cannot exist only on paper. Institutions must act — and there must be consequences when they fail to do so. "This is an important step forward by the Ontario government toward ensuring universities are accountable for providing safe and welcoming campuses for all students and staff." Read more details: ontario.ca/page/ministers-di…?

Today, we remember the nearly 3,000 people murdered on 9/11, including 24 Canadians, and honour the first responders and others who risked their lives to save others.

CIJA STRONGLY CONDEMNS CANADA'S SANCTIONS ON ISRAEL Noah Shack, CEO of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, issued the following statement: “We strongly condemn the Government of Canada’s announcement of new sanctions on Israel. “Rather than pursue an independent foreign policy grounded in Canada’s strategic interests and its stated approach of not ‘lecturing countries from afar,’ the government has chosen to follow the United Kingdom’s lead, in a move reportedly driven by domestic political considerations to appease the most extreme elements of society. "As Jewish Canadians prepare to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, including by increasing security at synagogues, the government’s announcement reinforces a troubling double standard toward Israel that not only impacts the Middle East but has real consequences here at home. The UK government drew a link between today's joint statement and the domestic security situation facing Jews, highlighting its investment of an additional £250 million (nearly $500 million CAD) for Jewish community security. Sanctions will also negatively impact Canadian workers and employers by adding to instability with key trade partners at this precarious time.” “These sanctions fail to advance peace or security for Israelis and Palestinians. They interfere in Israel’s democratic election just weeks before Israelis vote, a warning voiced by Israeli President Isaac Herzog. They make diplomacy harder and do nothing to press the Palestinian Authority to fulfill the commitments it made to Prime Minister Carney, including fundamentally reform its governance, to hold general elections in 2026 in which Hamas can play no part, and to demilitarize the Palestinian state. “Canada should be using its influence to advance peace, strengthen the economy and confront hatred at home — not imposing punitive measures in the midst of a democratic election that will achieve the opposite.”

CIJA, @bnaibrithcanada, and @CanadianFSWC Call for Justice Following Antisemitic Hate Speech at Bathurst and Sheppard What happened at Bathurst and Sheppard this weekend was blatant antisemitism. An individual who is reportedly a university instructor stood in a Jewish neighbourhood and repeated some of the oldest and most vile lies and conspiracy theories about Jews – accusing Jews of using “black magic,” raping, murdering, and eating children. These are antisemitic blood libels that have been used for centuries to justify hatred and violence against Jews. For far too long, Bathurst and Sheppard has been a regular site of antisemitic harassment, intimidation, and provocation, too often under the guise of antizionism. We have seen how anti-Israel hate is being used to legitimize hostility toward Jewish Canadians, with increasingly dangerous consequences. When this behaviour is allowed to continue without meaningful consequences, the message is that targeting Jews in this way is acceptable. It is not. Toronto Police must investigate this incident and, where the law has been broken, charges must follow. There must be consequences for those who repeatedly use public demonstrations as cover to spread hatred, incitement and target Toronto’s Jewish community. Allowing this behaviour to go unchecked is to normalize antisemitism as an everyday feature of life in this city.

Today, on the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, we remember innocent Canadians murdered by terrorists around the world—including the eight Israeli-Canadians murdered by Hamas on October 7. Here in Canada, the threat of terrorism and politically motivated violence is growing. We’ve seen terrorism celebrated on our streets. Synagogues, community institutions, and businesses have been shot at and firebombed. Security services have warned about Iran’s Islamic regime directing attacks against the Iranian diaspora and Jewish community. These are urgent matters of national security. We should not have to live with the fear of a Bondi Beach-style attack on Canadian soil. Take two minutes to tell the Government of Canada: get tough on terrorism and ensure terrorists and their proxies find no safe haven in Canada: actionhub.ca/alert/victims-o…

Justice Mary Lou Benotto's release of an independent review into two incidents at @TorontoMet should have been a wake-up call for TMU’s administration.  The report found that TMU already has policies capable of addressing antisemitism, but that the university has too often failed to enforce its own rules “consistently and decisively.” Instead of immediately implementing her recommendations, TMU President Mohamed Lachemi has appointed a Task Force that won’t deliver its blueprint until March 2027. Our students cannot wait. Tell TMU: Set clear behavioural expectations, protect the rights of all members of its community, and enforce its own policies consistently and decisively. Take action: actionhub.ca/alert/tmu-must-…