Jewish Security Network/B'nai Brith

Terror is in our Canadian streets. Jews are being attacked in their neighborhoods with insufficient responses from all levels of government and enforcement agencies. Action is needed now - no more words, no more finger pointing, no more excuses. We demand clarity. We demand that our government draw the line now, and action the initiatives that are long overdue. Anything else would serve to demonstrate that the recent attacks on our businesses and institutions will in fact be tolerated in our society. And we will not allow this to happen. 

The federal government must establish a task force, including stakeholders from all levels of government, to ensure an integrated and national response to the crisis of antisemitism. The necessary law enforcement, defence, and security infrastructure must be immediately deployed to ensure that Jewish institutions and businesses remain secured. This is an emergency and all available emergency measures must be activated.

A reward must be offered for information leading to the arrest of those targeting businesses and houses of worship in Canada with gunfire. These are acts of terror and those responsible must be apprehended and held accountable. 

These attacks must also be treated for what they are: acts of domestic terrorism. Law enforcement and prosecutors must investigate these incidents accordingly, and those responsible must be charged and prosecuted as domestic terrorists. At the same time, the federal government must immediately assign dedicated funding to ensure that private police are deployed to protect synagogues across the GTA. In the face of repeated and targeted attacks on Jewish houses of worship, it is unacceptable for these institutions to remain exposed while communities are forced to shoulder the burden of their own protection.

These recent attacks did not occur in a vacuum; they are a product of the permissive environment that has been fostered on our streets. We are now witnessing the consequences of allowing hate and division to become normalized, something we have warned against day after day. This must end immediately. To restore order, there must be zero tolerance for activities that incite and intimidate, including the protests that have been allowed to sow hate and foster division for far too long. Starting with Al Quds Day next weekend, and any propaganda-fueled university Israeli apartheid weeks to follow, they must all be banned. 

Though we must remain vigilant and exercise caution, Jewish Canadians must act as a collective to secure our continued vitality in Canada. We must not and will not succumb to the cowardly efforts of those who desire to intimidate and terrorize us. We encourage every Jewish person in this country to go to shul on Saturday. Together we will send a clear message that Jewish life will continue to proudly and freely be celebrated in Canada. 

In addition to these immediate and shorter-term items outlined above, we continue to advocate for long-term solutions such as a Royal Commission, and to press for comprehensive solutions to defeat the systemic antisemitism plaguing our country. 

We are calling on all levels of government to act immediately to mitigate threats to the Jewish community and to assure Jewish Canadians of their safety and security.  

B'nai Brith National Organization of Canada (O/A B'nai Brith Canada) | PO Box 77510 Sheppard Plaza PO | Toronto, ON M3H 6A7 CA

JSN UPDATE March 7, 2026

Dear Community,

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's guidance to the community remains as follows:

• Stay aware of your surroundings when in public spaces and avoid unnecessary distractions.

• Be attentive when arriving at or leaving Jewish institutions or events.

• Pay attention to unusual or suspicious people, vehicles, or objects near community facilities.

• Do not allow unknown individuals access to buildings or secured spaces. 

• If you have received JSN training, consider assisting with volunteer security at your synagogue or community institution. 

• Please cooperate with security personnel and law enforcement when they are conducting checks or managing access.  

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. 

UJA Federation of Greater Toronto 

Jewish Security Network (JSN) The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA)

JSN UPDATE March 3, 2026

Dear Community Leaders and Heads of Security,

Over the past two nights, several concerning incidents have occurred across Toronto.

Early Sunday morning, gunfire was directed at the gym of an Iranian activist who has been a prominent organizer of anti-regime protests. That same night, the YEDI building and Old Avenue Restaurant were also targeted. The owner of Old Avenue has likewise been outspoken against the Iranian regime.

Late last night, Temple Emanu-El sustained damage from gunfire. Media reports also referenced Kehillat Shaarei Torah; however, that report is inaccurate. The damage at that institution relates to a separate incident from several months ago involving vandalism with a hammer.

All of these incidents occurred late at night or in the early hours of the morning when buildings were empty. There were no injuries.

With the current escalation in military action involving Iran — and public threats of retaliation — we are mindful that overseas developments can increase tensions locally. History has shown that Iranian regime actors and their proxies have, at times, blurred the line between Israeli interests and diaspora Jewish communities.

In light of recent events and heightened rhetoric, we recommend the following precautionary measures:

Immediate Actions

• Brief staff, volunteers, and security personnel on the situation. Emphasize heightened vigilance for anything unusual or out of place, no matter how minor it may seem.

• Reinforce that all suspicious activity must be reported immediately to onsite security, 911, and JSN’s 24/7 Security Hotline: 437-222-3999.

• Non-emergency or non-time-sensitive information can also be submitted via JSN’s online reporting form.

• Maintain strict access control at all times. All entry points should remain closed, locked, and monitored.

• Minimize congregation outside facilities. Encourage attendees to enter and leave promptly.

Operational Reinforcements

• Reinforce and review emergency protocols with all relevant personnel to ensure roles and responsibilities are clearly understood.

• Deploy trained volunteers and staff during arrival and departure times to support security personnel as additional “eyes and ears,” and to assist with efficient movement into and out of your facility. Additional vigilance in vetting is warranted, particularly when visitors are wearing Purim costumes or masks.

• Consider employing security guards if not already in place or increasing coverage to ensure all entrances and high-traffic areas are monitored.

• Where possible, apply for paid duty police officers. While availability is limited, local police services have indicated increased patrol presence around community institutions. In areas with multiple institutions, patrols may rotate rather than be stationed at a single site.

• Confirm that CCTV systems are fully operational and recording. Check panic buttons, alarms, PA systems, and electronic locking mechanisms to ensure they are functioning properly.

JSN is actively engaging across the community and remains in close contact with law enforcement partners, who have assured us of increased patrols and monitoring.

At times like this, calm, disciplined vigilance is our most effective response. Strong access control, clear communication, visible security presence, and prompt reporting are critical layers of protection.

Thank you for your continued leadership and commitment to safeguarding your institutions and our broader community. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns.

If you witness suspicious activity, experience a concerning incident, or have a security question, please contact JSN’s 24/7 Security Hotline: 437-222-3999. In an emergency, always call 911 first.

Sincerely,

JSN Management

IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM THE JEWISH SECURITY NETWORK - February 28, 2026

Dear Community Leaders

We are aware of and closely monitoring the escalating situation in the Middle East following the commencement of military action involving the Islamic Republic of Iran. Experience has shown that developments of this nature can sometimes lead to increased tensions abroad, including protests and heightened antisemitic rhetoric within diaspora communities.

At this time, we have no information indicating any specific or credible threat to the Jewish community locally. However, out of an abundance of caution, we have requested increased law enforcement presence in and around key Jewish institutions and communal areas.

We encourage our community to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Institutions should take this opportunity to ensure that appropriate security measures are in place, including:

• Maintaining strict access control at all times — doors and entry points should remain closed, locked, and monitored 

• Ensuring staff, security personnel, and volunteer teams are properly briefed

• Reviewing emergency procedures and confirming that roles and responsibilities are clearly understood

• Reporting any suspicious or unusual activity without hesitation

Strong security is about preparedness, not fear. By remaining alert, disciplined, and coordinated, we help ensure our community continues to function confidently and proudly.

If you see something, say something — without delay. Trust your instincts and report concerns immediately:

• Notify on-site security, police officers, or community security volunteers

• Contact JSN’s 24/7 Security Operations Centre: 437-222-3999

• In an emergency, always call 911 first

• Any information that is non-emergency and not time sensitive can also be reported through our online reporting form

JSN will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as required.

Sincerely,

JSN Management