Two synagogues in the Greater Toronto Area were struck by gunfire overnight, prompting police investigations and strong condemnation from government officials and community leaders. According to Global News, the incidents occurred late Friday night and early Saturday morning in separate locations in Thornhill and Toronto. While buildings sustained damage, authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported in either case.
York Regional Police said officers responded around 11:49 p.m. Friday after reports of gunshots near Clark Avenue and York Hill Boulevard in Thornhill. Investigators later discovered evidence of gunfire directed at a building on Clark Avenue. The property was identified as the Beth Avraham Yosef of Toronto synagogue. Police confirmed the structure suffered damage, but no one inside the building was harmed.
Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the shootings, describing them as a serious attack on the rights and safety of Jewish Canadians. According to Global News, Carney said the incidents represent an assault on the ability of Jewish communities to live and worship freely in Canada and called them a violation of the country’s values. He added that federal agencies, including the RCMP, will assist local police in identifying those responsible and ensuring they face justice.
Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca also spoke out against the incident involving the Thornhill synagogue. He said he was deeply angered by the act and expressed concern about the impact such violence has on Jewish residents in the community. Del Duca confirmed that additional police presence would be deployed around synagogues to increase security and reassure residents following the shooting.
In a separate incident shortly after midnight, Toronto police responded to reports of gunfire near Bathurst Street and Glencairn Avenue. Officers arrived at approximately 12:08 a.m. and discovered bullet holes in the front door of a building on Glencairn Avenue. Authorities later confirmed that the building is a synagogue. Police again reported that no injuries occurred.
Toronto city councillor Brad Bradford condemned the second attack, writing on social media that he was horrified and outraged by the incident. According to Global News, Bradford noted that the synagogue had recently been celebrating Purim earlier in the week. He also confirmed that Toronto Police would increase patrols outside places of worship as a precaution.
Community organizations are now calling for stronger protections. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs and the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto released a joint statement urging governments to provide additional security resources to communities facing threats. According to Global News, the organizations said it is unacceptable for Canadian communities to face violence linked to events occurring abroad and stressed that immediate action is needed to address growing safety concerns.
Both Toronto Police and York Regional Police are asking anyone who may have information about the shootings to come forward. Authorities are particularly interested in dash camera footage or surveillance video from the surrounding areas that could assist investigators in identifying the individuals responsible.
