Since our previous security update on the terrible fire at The Leo Baeck Day School, the past 24 hours have brought serious developments that impact our community’s security. We are writing to keep you informed about what’s happening, what we are doing, and what you can do.

• This morning, the RCMP announced that a father and son who were arrested several days ago in York Region have been charged with terrorism offences. Alarmingly, police revealed that the individuals were affiliated with Islamic State (ISIS), had purchased a machete and axe, and were in the advance stage of planning a “serious and violent attack” in Greater Toronto. To preserve their ongoing investigation, police have not publicly revealed further details or the intended target of the plot. 
• Last night, Jewish community signs at two synagogues (Temple Sinai and Kehillat Shaarei Torah) were set on fire. In the case of Kehillat Shaarei Torah, this is the fifth time the synagogue has been targeted in recent months. 
• Police have released photos of the perpetrator of antisemitic graffiti across multiple sites in Thornhill. 
• The remarkable killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran—while absolutely just and necessary for the protection of innocent life in Israel and the region—brings heightened security concerns for Israelis and Jews worldwide.

The escalation of extremism and violent Jew hatred in Greater Toronto has reached a critical point—and demands strong actions from Canadian leaders. UJA and our partners are pushing for decisive action to confront this threat in three critical ways:

1. We are calling for an immediate, strong, and sustained deployment of police in our Jewish community. UJA Community Security is supporting the synagogues that were targeted in these latest acts of hate. The team is also coordinating with our network of Jewish security officials across the community to provide guidance and reinforce vigilance at synagogues, day schools, JCCs, and other Jewish facilities. 
   
   But when it comes to keeping the community safe, there is nothing that can replace the role of a strong police presence. As we liaise with York Regional Police and Toronto Police Service in the wake of these developments, we are urging an immediate and sustained deployment of officers throughout the community.
2. We are calling on city and provincial officials to increase resources for police to protect our community. Law enforcement resources in Greater Toronto are immensely stretched in ordinary times, let alone in an environment of growing hate and extremism. We need our provincial and municipal leaders to step up and give police the resources they need to tackle this threat.  
   
   Through our advocacy agent the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), we are urging Premier Ford, Mayor Chow, and Mayor Del Duca to increase funds for local law enforcement to combat antisemitism. But our voice is stronger when our community mobilizes. Please take a moment to contact Premier Ford and your local mayor (be it Mayor Chow in Toronto or Mayor Del Duca in Vaughan). 
3. We are calling on federal officials to make glorifying terrorism a criminal offence. We have all seen how violent rhetoric online and in protests has fueled the vandalism, arson, and violent threats we’re now facing. This is Canada. We can no longer allow jihadists to whip up crowds in our streets, celebrate the murder of Jews, and applaud terrorist groups.  
   
   CIJA has been urging the federal government to bring forward legislation to make glorification of terrorism a criminal offence. This would give police the ability to arrest and charge those who are inflaming the threats against our community—and currently getting away with it. But the government needs to hear from thousands of community members about this critical issue. We’re asking you to join us in emailing Canada’s Minister of Public Safety, Dominic LeBlanc.

We often hear from community members that they would like to speak out on these issues, but don’t necessarily feel equipped to do so. What’s most important is that we all speak out—and we are here to help. For sample messaging about these issues, please subscribe to our Activist Updates.

As we continue monitoring events in the Middle East and push for urgently needed action here in Canada, we will keep our community updated.

Am Yisrael Chai,

Jeff Rosenthal Chair of the Board

Adam Minsky President & CEO