In light of the three recent synagogue shootings in Toronto, the Canadian government has pledged $10 million to support Jewish communities in protecting themselves against hate crimes.
Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree announced on Wednesday that a dedicated investment of up to $10 million will be provided to eligible organizations through the Canada Community Security Program (CCSP), which will assist Jewish communities in enhancing the security of their gathering spaces, including schools, day cares, overnight camps, and places of worship.
Under the CCSP, organizations receive funds for security equipment and hardware such as protective barriers, minor renovations to enhance security like reinforcements for windows and doors, security and emergency assessments and plans, training to respond to hate-motivated events, and time-limited third-party licensed security personnel.
The CCSP provides flexibility to organizations seeking financial support, and applications are accepted year-round.
“Our government is unwavering in its commitment to keep Canadians safe and to combatting all forms of hate," said Anandasangaree. "No one in Canada should ever feel unsafe because of who they are, how they pray, or the community they belong to. Jewish communities have been increasingly targeted for hate crimes and impacted by rising hate-related incidents."
“As a mother and a member of the Jewish community, I know how important it is to feel that sense of safety," said Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
Jewish groups call for more action after Canada funding
Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister Responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, said Jewish Canadians should never have to fear walking into their places of worship, schools, or community spaces.
"At this critical moment, when the community is feeling so vulnerable, we are taking direct action."
While Solomon said the $10 million investment is an "important first step," he urged the government to move forward with Bill C-9, the new anti-hate legislation, and called on all parties to support its passage.
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) CEO Noah Shack welcomed the government investment toward Jewish Community Security, but said that the fact it is necessary at all is "shocking."
“Every day, Canadians are waking up to news of another shooting attack. Multiple shootings at Toronto-area synagogues were not isolated incidents, but the latest in an escalating surge of hate, harassment and violence targeting Jewish Canadians.
“The level of security now required to protect Jewish Canadians in Canada is shocking."
Moving forward, he urged the government to fulfill its commitment to improve and significantly enhance funding for the Canada Community Security Program overall.
Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center Canada said the funding is an "important step" amid the spike in antisemitic incidents targeting Jewish institutions.
It nevertheless called on the government to implement additional concrete measures to confront and prevent the hatred putting Jewish Canadians at risk.
B'nai Brith Canada said the announcement is a "step in the right direction," but called for eight more actions to be taken by governments. Firstly, B'nai Brith called on the Federal Government to establish a national antisemitism emergency task force, treat the attacks as domestic terrorism, and deploy national security resources to protect Jewish institutions.
It then called on Provincial Governments to fund immediate security protection for Jewish institutions and establish a special prosecution unit for hate crimes.
Finally, it urged Municipal Governments to ban events that incite hate and intimidation, enforce zero tolerance for intimidation in public spaces and prioritize protection of Jewish neighbourhoods and institutions.
Israel's President Isaac Herzog has expressed deep concern over the antisemitic attacks in Toronto.
During a call with Canadian Jewish leaders on Monday, he said “I am deeply alarmed by the shocking rise of antisemitism in Canada ever since the October 7th massacre."
He urged Canada to learn from the lessons of previous antisemitic attacks in countries around the world, including the deadly Bondi Beach terror attack in Sydney.
"All eyes are on Canada to halt this unprecedented wave of Jew-hatred," he said.