On March 2nd, 19 gunshots were fired at Temple Emanu-El. The attack came days after shootings at several Jewish businesses in North York and was soon followed by gunfire at two more Toronto-area synagogues, and then an attack on the U.S. consulate.
The attack on Temple Emanu-El took place on Purim, a joyful holiday when families gather. Taken together with the other incidents, it is difficult not to see this as a targeted act of antisemitism. I keep thinking about how different the outcome could have been had this happened only a few hours earlier, while families were still celebrating. The thought is chilling.
Sadly, this is not the first time a Jewish institution in Don Valley West has been attacked. Kehillat Shaarei Torah – just a few blocks from Temple Emanu-El – has been vandalized 10 times since Oct. 7, 2023. And this rise in antisemitism is not limited to our ward. Toronto Police Service data show incidents of antisemitic hate have surged over the last two to three years and remain the most common form of religious hate reported in our city.
The spread of hate carries emotional, physical and economic costs. Since 2023, the City of Toronto has spent $30 million per year on protest-related policing and protections for religious spaces. These measures are essential – recent events make that painfully clear – but they also mean resources are pulled from other critical areas. City council has passed bubble-zone legislation to ensure access to religious spaces and recently voted unanimously to establish an intergovernmental task force on antisemitism to improve reporting, accountability and coordination.
After the third synagogue shooting, all levels of government came together in solidarity at a press conference. The federal government announced a $10 million commitment to enhance security at synagogues across Canada. Bill C-9 is also on the table, proposing clearer guidance for law enforcement as to when and how to proceed when free speech devolves into incitement of violence, hate or terrorism. All parties must support measures that help protect Canadians and uphold a safe, inclusive society.
But there is more to do. Misinformation and disinformation spread rapidly online, particularly when amplified by unverified external sources. Combating these factors requires not only education and media literacy, but also strong communities and neighbours who speak up to support one another. Last fall, after the 10th attack on Kehillat Shaarei Torah, I formed a Ward 15 interfaith group to build bridges between local faith communities. What began as quiet relationship-building has now grown into Interfaith Action, where we work shoulder to shoulder to strengthen our community.
Over the past few months, and especially after the shooting at Temple Emanu-El, many residents reached out, concerned about what they’re seeing and eager to help. At my March coffee morning at the Leaside Longo’s, we spoke openly about the rise in antisemitism and the importance of standing together. As a result, we are expanding our efforts to include residents of all backgrounds. Some will join from a place of faith; others simply want to meet their neighbours and contribute to a stronger, kinder community. If you’d like to be included in upcoming gatherings, please email my office and we will add you to our list.
Changing the trajectory we are on will not be easy. It will take an all “hands on deck” effort – a commitment from every level of government, political party, and neighbourhood. When one community is repeatedly targeted, it threatens the very fabric of the free and democratic society that protects us all. Aside from our Indigenous Peoples, nearly all of us or our ancestors came to this city, this province, and this country to build a better life. We must work together to ensure that remains possible for all, including our Jewish residents.
It’s time for us to stand side by side – deliberately and visibly – to build the Toronto we want. And we can start that work right here in Ward 15 – Don Valley West.
To help Temple Emanu-El rebuild, please consider donating at https://www.templeemanuel.ca/give.
