In brief
A Jewish elementary school in Toronto has been targeted three times this year, raising concerns and prompting government action.
A Jewish elementary school in Toronto has been hit by gunfire for the third time this year, highlighting a troubling rise in antisemitic attacks in Canada. Bais Chaya Mushka Girls Elementary School, which belongs to the Chabad Lubavitch movement, was shot at early Friday morning, with six bullets striking the front of the building. This incident followed similar attacks in May and October of 2024, raising serious alarm among parents and the community.Following the recent events, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his shock and dismay, deeming the attack a "hateful, antisemitic" act. Alongside the shooting in Toronto, police are investigating an arson attack at a Jewish community center and synagogue in Montreal, further indicating a nationwide issue.Rabbi Yaacov Vidal, the school's principal, voiced the frustration felt within the community, saying families are worried and frightened by the ongoing violence. Recent statistics reveal that nearly half of hate crimes reported in Toronto were directed at Jewish individuals, amid a similar rise in reported attacks against other marginalized groups. In response, Rachel Bendayan, the associate public safety minister, announced plans for a meeting involving law enforcement from across the country to discuss strategies to combat these rising hate crimes. Earlier this year, the Canadian government allocated approximately 274 million Canadian dollars to support police and community groups aiming to gather data on hate incidents and tackle the issue head-on.
