WARMINGTON: Security funding for Jewish groups has been long overdue
· Toronto Sun
Another day, another antisemitic attack.
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It’s no longer a question of will the Jewish community face antisemitic attacks, it’s a matter of when . It happens most weeks and many times for days in a row.
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 .
The synagogue hosting Toronto’s 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 . While Holy Blossom Temple was thankfully not shot up like three other GTA shuls have been over the last week, signs were defaced at the front of the property – specifically a sign that reminded people the property is protected by a bubble zone bylaw for protests.
Temple says it reported incident to police
In a letter addressed to congregants, Rabbi Yael Splansky, temple president Rachel Malach and board chair Eric Roher wrote “overnight, two of the three signs posted outside the temple referencing the City of Toronto’s recently established ‘bubble zone bylaw’ 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.”
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 , it is also concerning. It’s also another example of how in 2026 anything goes in Toronto when it comes to Jewish places of worship, schools or businesses.
You will hear a whole lot of words of regret and even dismay about that from politicians. You won’t 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.
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree detailed a “dedicated investment” of up to $10 million to be provided to eligible organizations through the Canada Community Security Program. It will assist Jewish communities in “enhancing the security of their gathering spaces, including schools, daycares, overnight camps and places of worship.”
This is needed and long overdue.
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Jews ‘deserve to feel safe:’ Solomon
Before Anandasangaree’s announcement, fellow Liberal MP Evan Solomon, the minister of artificial intelligence and digital innovation, addressed the vandalism at Holy Blossom.
“Jewish Canadians across Canada of all ages deserve to feel safe where they live, learn, play and worship,” said Solomon. “This investment will support strengthening institutions and is meaningful action to protect the community from hate.”
Anandasangaree said the Mark Carney government is “unwavering in its quest to keep Canadians safe” in the face of hate.
“No one in Canada should ever feel unsafe because of who they are, how they pray or the community they belong to,” he said. “Jewish 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.”
Welcome news for Jewish community
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.
Whatever measures are taken, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs CEO Noah Shack said the investment is welcome news.
“Every day, Canadians are waking up to news of another shooting attack,” he said. “Multiple shootings at Toronto-area synagogues were not isolated incidents, but the latest in an escalating surge of hate, harassment and violence targeting Jewish Canadians.
“The 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.”
The government can’t free up that money fast enough because if recent history has shown, there is an urgent need for help within the Jewish community.
Every time the sun sets, people worry about just what could happen next.