Mississauga: March 7:- Police are investigating two separate incidents in which gunshots were fired at synagogues in the Greater Toronto Area late Friday night and early Saturday morning. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported in either case. Toronto Police say officers responded to reports of gunfire around 12:08 a.m. Saturday near Bathurst Street and Glencairn Avenue in North York. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered bullet marks on the front entrance of the Shaarei Shoma Yim synagogue located at 470 Glencairn Avenue.
Authorities confirmed that additional investigative units have been assigned to assist in the case, including the Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force and the Hate Crime Unit, working alongside officers from 33 Division. Earlier the same night, York Regional Police were called to another shooting incident at approximately 11:49 p.m. Friday in Clark Avenue and York Hill Boulevard in Thornhill. Investigators determined that gunfire had been directed toward the Beth Avraham Yosef of Toronto synagogue at 613 Clark Avenue West.
Police say there were no reported injuries in either shooting. At this stage, investigators have not confirmed whether the two incidents are connected. In a statement, Toronto Police acknowledged the Thornhill incident and said detectives will determine if any link exists between the two shootings.
Leaders Condemn the Incidents: Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow strongly condemned the attacks, describing them as acts of hatred and intimidation directed toward the Jewish community. She emphasized that people must be able to practice their faith safely and without fear. Chow also said that Toronto Police will increase their presence in affected areas while the investigation continues and that the city will support law enforcement efforts to identify those responsible.
Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca also spoke out about the Thornhill incident, calling it a hateful and antisemitic act. He expressed concern about the impact such incidents have on residents, particularly members of the local Jewish community.
Speaking outside the Thornhill synagogue, Del Duca said it is unacceptable for any community members to feel unsafe or unwelcome in their own city. He confirmed that police will increase patrols around synagogues in Vaughan and that York Regional Police have set up a mobile command unit near Promenade Shopping Centre in Thornhill.
Investigators in York Region have also reported that a dark-colored sedan was seen in the area around the time of the shooting.
Political Leaders Across Canada React: Several national leaders have also condemned the incidents. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he was deeply disturbed by the shootings and described them as cowardly acts intended to spread fear. He added that every Canadian has the right to practice their religion freely and safely.
Prime Minister Mark Carney also addressed the incidents on social media, noting that another synagogue in North York had been targeted earlier in the week. He described the attacks as criminal acts that violate the fundamental rights of Jewish Canadians and the values of Canadian society. Carney said the federal government will continue working with law enforcement agencies, including the RCMP, to ensure those responsible are identified and brought to justice.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also condemned the shootings, stating that the safety of Canadians must remain the government’s top priority.
Thornhill Member of Parliament Melissa Lantsman called for stronger action to address antisemitism and protect faith communities across the country.
International Reaction: Israel’s ambassador to Canada, Iddo Moed, also reacted to the incidents, saying he was shocked and outraged by the attacks. He described the shootings as acts of violence against places of worship and warned that such incidents reflect a broader rise in antisemitic threats globally. Moed urged Canadian authorities to take decisive action to protect Jewish institutions and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
Investigations Continue Both Toronto Police and York Regional Police say their investigations remain ongoing. Authorities are asking anyone who may have information related to the shootings to contact police or provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.