Jewish Canadians

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

Jewish Canadians will not be intimidated by attempts to disrupt community life, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs declared last week.

“We will stay vigilant, but we will never be intimidated.”

The CIJA statement was made following an email threat that was sent early on the morning of Aug. 21 to over 100 Jewish institutions across Canada, including many synagogues in Montreal. More threats were sent on Thursday to malls, hospitals, art galleries and other venues. The RCMP is investigating the threats, and they are working with local and international police forces in their efforts to find the perpetrator or perpetrators.

Since the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attack in which 1,200 people in Israel were killed, and hundreds kidnapped, Canadian synagogues and Jewish institutions have been attacked, whether with bullets or Molotov cocktails.

SPVM spokesperson Sabrina Gauthier told The Suburban last week that the email threat was received by a synagogue in Hampstead about 5 a.m. Wednesday Aug. 21. Services at The Adath were interrupted and people evacuated at the time.

“We went to the Hampstead synagogue — inside, outside — and nothing was found. There was no threat, no object. We are trying to figure out if other institutions are being targeted, and we are doing an operation now.”

The Suburban obtained a copy of the email, which claims to be from a group called “Court,” although it is written as if from one individual. The group claimed to have placed explosives in buildings, in backpacks, which “are set to go off in a few hours. You will all end up in a pool of blood, none of you deserve to keep living. I incessantly have nothing other than scorn for humanity. This will be your last day on earth.”

B’nai Brith Canada was one of the targets of the widespread threat. “This is not just an attack on our safety — it’s an attack on the fabric of Canadian society,” the organization stated. “The incitement we have been seeing almost daily in every city, on all our streets and in all our campuses across Canada have created this permissive environment.Enough is enough! Canada must not bow to terror.”

Rabbi Reuben Poupko, whose Beth Israel Beth Aaron Synagogue also received the email, last week told The Suburban, “we will not be held hostage by every cowardly moron filled with hate who owns a keyboard.”

Hampstead Mayor Jeremy Levi said, “Let it be clear: we will not cower in the face of such vile threats. We commend the swift response of our police in dismantling this attempt to spread fear. Every threat, no matter the size, will be met with unwavering resolve. We refuse to be intimidated by cowardice, and we stand stronger than ever in our commitment to protect and defend our communities.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reacted, posting, “I’m disgusted at reports that more than 100 Jewish institutions across Canada were targeted by threats. This is blatant antisemitism. The RCMP is in contact with local law enforcement to investigate, and we’re working with them to keep Jewish Canadians safe.”

Conservative deputy leader Melissa Lantsman stated, “It should never become normal for any worship services to be disrupted and evacuated from threats. Canada is not the free country we know and love if the right to worship freely and safely needs to be protected. Immediately. Now. Today.

“As schools return and the Jewish high holiday season approaches, Jewish communities deserve to feel safe and protected as they join together for the holidays. We will not back down in the face of intimidation — it’s time for a government that takes these threats seriously.”

Mount Royal MP Anthony Housefather stated, “those who make threats to any religious institution in Canada, whether churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, gurdwaras etc should be charged and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Nobody should be intimidated from entering community buildings.” n