TORONTO, Canada: A Jewish school in Toronto, the Bais Chaya Mushka girls school, was shot at early Saturday morning, marking the second such incident this year as Canada grapples with a surge in anti-Semitic violence since the onset of the Gaza conflict.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported; the only damage was a broken window. The police are investigating the connection between this shooting and a similar attack on the school in May.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his alarm over the incident, particularly as it coincided with Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. He emphasized that anti-Semitism is a “disgusting and dangerous form of hate” and reiterated the government’s commitment to combating such discrimination.
According to a report from B’nai Brith Canada, incidents of anti-Semitism in the country more than doubled between 2022 and 2023. This alarming trend reflects a broader climate of fear and hostility facing Jewish communities in Canada. In November 2023, another Jewish school in Montreal was targeted multiple times within a week, underscoring the persistent threat.
The government and community leaders are now faced with the urgent challenge of addressing the rise in anti-Semitic sentiment and ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations. Continued vigilance and strong condemnation from political leaders are critical in combating hate and fostering an environment of acceptance and security for all citizens.
