We are writing to update you about a disturbing incident in Montreal.

Last night, a single bullet was fired at the doors of two Jewish schools in the city (Talmud Torah and Yeshiva Gedolah). This took place at night, well after school hours. The buildings were empty and damage was very limited. Police are continuing to investigate and both schools are operating today as usual.

Last night’s incident comes on the heels of multiple concerning developments in Montreal, including aggressive behaviour from anti-Israel activists at Concordia University, as well as an attempted firebombing of a synagogue. As in Toronto, Federation CJA of Montreal has a well-experienced security team constantly working to support Jewish organizations and co-ordinate with police. Federation CJA met with the chief of police this morning to discuss additional police presence at Jewish institutions, and is likewise providing resources to help Jewish institutions elevate security measures.

UJA Community Security is in communication with our security colleagues at Montreal Federation, and we are closely monitoring the situation to identify the implications for our community. At this stage, there is no information to suggest this disturbing incident in Montreal has any connection to Toronto. 

Our ongoing conversations with local law enforcement and Jewish security partners in Canada, the United States, and Israel all indicate that this is a time for heightened vigilance as well as resilience in continuing to engage in Jewish life and practice.

To strengthen resilience in our community, UJA has launched a special grant for Jewish community non-profits to sustain elevated security measures. Many Jewish institutions have recently taken on added security costs, especially to increase the presence of guards. We are pleased that more than 70 Jewish institutions applied and will receive funding from UJA to assist with their security needs. If you are involved in a leadership role with a Jewish organization and would like more information, please connect with us.

We remind community members to exercise increased awareness. If you see something, please say something immediately. In an emergency, call 911. When safe, please report incidents to UJA Community Security.

Sincerely,

UJA Community Security