Jewish organizations and medical facilities across Canada were on high alert Wednesday after receiving identical threatening emails, prompting a nationwide police response. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed that "a number of institutions, including synagogues and hospitals," were targeted.
According to CP24, over 100 synagogues, Jewish organizations, and doctors in multiple Canadian cities received the threatening message. The RCMP stated they are working with local law enforcement to ensure locations are safe, while the Federal Policing National Security Program investigates the source of the threats. Police in Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, and Calgary were among those responding to the threats. Toronto police reported evacuating buildings in the city's west end to investigate a bomb threat.
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β Jewish News Syndicate (@JNS_org) August 22, 2024
Β Michael Levitt, CEO of the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center, described the situation as "absolutely chilling." He noted that this incident follows a significant rise in antisemitism in Canada since October 2023. "For many, many months, Canada's Jewish community has raised alarm bells about the escalation of rampant Jew-hatred, as incitement and hateful rhetoric have become normalized online, on our city streets, and on our university and college campuses," Levitt said.
Eta Yudin, Quebec vice-president for the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, stated there was "no imminent threat" and suggested the emails were "designed to disrupt lives." She emphasized, "Jewish Canadians will not be intimidated β we will continue to take part in Canadian society and Jewish life."
Rabbi Nisan Andrews of House of Jacob-Mikveh Israel in Calgary said his synagogue's email went to the junk folder. He learned of the threat from the Calgary Jewish Federation. Andrews expressed disappointment, saying, "It's a very sad state of affairs. I mean, we're Canadian citizens."
The threatening email, sent from a Gmail account, appeared to target specifically Jewish recipients. Andrews noted that the roughly 150 email addresses were easily identifiable as Jewish organizations or leaders.
This incident occurs amidst a backdrop of increasing antisemitic acts in Canada. B'nai Brith Canada's annual report in May indicated that reports of antisemitic incidents had doubled in 2023, including 77 violent incidents.
The RCMP stated they are "engaging with faith-based leaders to ensure they have the information and support they need."
