A Jewish school in Toronto was struck by gunfire early Saturday morning, marking the second time this year the institution has been targeted, as Canada faces a rise in anti-Semitic incidents since the war in Gaza began.
The Bais Chaya Mushka girls’ school, located in the North York area of Toronto, was hit by shots fired from a vehicle at approximately 4 a.m., according to Toronto police. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, with the only visible damage being a broken window. Authorities suspect that this shooting is connected to a similar incident that occurred in May, where the same school was targeted.
The attack comes during a period of heightened tensions, with a marked increase in anti-Semitic acts across Canada. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has fueled concerns about the safety of Jewish communities worldwide, and Canada has seen a surge in hate crimes targeting Jewish institutions.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his deep concern over the attack. “I am very disturbed by the incident, especially as it coincides with the Jewish community’s observance of Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism,” Trudeau stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He offered his support to those affected, saying, “My heart goes out to the students, staff, and parents who must be terrified and hurting today.”
Trudeau further condemned the rise in anti-Semitism, labeling it “a disgusting and dangerous form of hate.” He emphasized that the Canadian government would not tolerate such acts, reiterating its commitment to combat hate crimes.
The shooting at Bais Chaya Mushka follows a troubling trend of increasing anti-Semitic violence in the country. In November 2023, a Jewish school in Montreal was shot at twice within the same week. Thankfully, no one was injured in either attack.
A report released in May 2023 by B’nai Brith Canada, a Jewish advocacy organization, revealed that anti-Semitic incidents had more than doubled between 2022 and 2023. The report highlighted a disturbing rise in both verbal and physical attacks against Jewish individuals and institutions across the country.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the shootings at the Toronto school, with police actively seeking information to determine those responsible. As the Jewish community in Canada grapples with these acts of violence, leaders are calling for increased vigilance and protection of religious institutions.
The recent spike in anti-Semitic incidents has prompted a broader conversation about the need for enhanced security measures at places of worship and schools, as well as efforts to foster greater understanding and tolerance within Canadian society.
