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August 1, 2024Since our previous message to you about the tragic terror attack on Majdal Shams, the last two days have brought serious developments across our country as well as in Israel. We are writing to keep you informed about what’s happening, what we are doing, and what you can do.Yesterday, the RCMP announced that a father and son who were arrested several days ago near Toronto have been charged with terrorism offences. Alarmingly, police revealed that the individuals were affiliated with Islamic State (ISIS), had purchased a machete and axe, and were in the advance stage of planning a “serious and violent attack” in Greater Toronto.Also Jewish community signs at two Toronto synagogues were set on fire (one of them targeted for the fifth time in recent months). Police have released photos of the perpetrator of antisemitic graffiti across multiple sites in Thornhill, Ontario.The escalation of extremism and violent Jew hatred in Montreal, Toronto and elsewhere has reached a critical point—and demands strong actions from municipal, provincial and federal leaders. Federation CJA and our advocacy agent, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), are pushing for decisive action to confront this threat:-
- We are calling for an immediate, strong, and sustained deployment of police in our Jewish community. Federation CJA Community Security Network is coordinating with Jewish security officials across the community to provide guidance and reinforce vigilance at synagogues, day schools, community centres and other Jewish facilities.
- We are calling on Mayor Plante and the Montreal civic administration to increase resources for police to protect our community. In an environment of growing hate and extremism we need our leaders to step up and give police the resources they need to tackle this threat.
- We are calling on Mayor Plante and Police Chief Fady Dagher to crack down on pro-Hamas rallies inciting violence and intimidation. This weekend pro-Hamas organizations are planning a “day of rage” and will pay homage to the assassinated Hamas leader, a terror organization, as designated by the government of Canada. Aggressive acts such as these on the streets of Montreal must be denounced and stopped as they have consequences which we have seen unfold for months.
- We are calling on the federal government to make glorifying terrorism a criminal offence. This would give police the ability to arrest and charge those who are inflaming the threats against our community—and currently getting away with it. But the government needs to hear from thousands of community members about this critical issue.
- We have all seen how violent rhetoric online and in protests has fueled the vandalism, arson, and violent threats we’re now facing. This is Canada. We can no longer allow jihadists to whip up crowds in our streets, celebrate the murder of Jews, and applaud terrorist groups.
- CIJA has been actively informing the Quebec population to the dangers at our door by publishing on social media and other channels. Here is an opinion piece calling for more action against hate speech and the glorification of terrorism in the Journal de Montréal.
Also, in the last two days we have learned about the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and the elimination of Hezbollah's most senior military commander, Fuad Shukr in Beirut. And just today it was confirmed that October 7 mastermind, Mohammed Deif was killed some two weeks ago.International airlines have begun cancelling flights to Israel. We are also closely watching developments on Israel’s northern border with great concern. Together with our team on the ground, we will continue to support emergency efforts to support the people of Israel.And top of mind during these anxious times are the hostages who have now spent a horrific 300 days in captivity. Our thoughts and prayers are always with them and their families.Above all, this is a time for healthy vigilance. If you see something, please say something by calling the police. When safe, your second call should be to Federation CJA’s Community Security Hotline at 514-343-4343, or via our online form so our team can co-ordinate with law enforcement and Jewish institutions across our city.As we continue monitoring events in the Middle East and push for urgently needed action here in Canada, we will keep our community updated.Am Israel Chai.Steve Sebag, Board ChairYair Szlak, LL.B, President and Chief Executive OfficerFederation CJA-
Important community security update. (more) Your security remains our top priority. (more) Your safety remains our top priority. (more) Unsubstantiated Threats on Social Media. (more)
