November 12, 2023

This is a follow up to my email to you earlier this morning about the incident at the Yeshiva Gedolah. Federation CJA and CIJA leadership have been actively engaged in discussions with our elected officials and Montreal Police (SPVM) throughout the day. 

Federation CJA and CIJA have taken the following actions:

1. We are calling for authorization to hire off-duty police officers to guard our Jewish schools and synagogues. We have raised this issue directly with Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante and others. Currently, hiring of off-duty armed police officers in Quebec is not an option. We are advocating for this to change immediately given the circumstances.

2. We have also asked the Prime Minister for an urgent meeting with Federal intelligence and national law enforcement officials in order to determine the threat level against the Jewish community and what can be put in place to ensure the safety of our institutions. 

3. We have been in direct contact with the SPVM at its highest levels. They have assured us that these events are the top priority of the police force and they will continue to work with us to ensure high visibility and security for our community. 

Current circumstances continue to change our security situation and we are fully consumed in addressing the situation at all levels of government. We know the stress and anxiety being felt throughout our community – especially for our students and for those attending places of worship, for their families and the staff - and this has been communicated in the strongest terms in our meetings with elected officials and authorities.

Earlier today we communicated with Jewish institutions to increase security procedures and awareness.  As community members we ask that you listen to your Jewish institutions’ requests and adhere to the protocols suggested.  Avoid misinformation.

Jewish Day Schools will be open tomorrow morning. Please follow the directives of your schools for orderly drop off and pick up. 

 We will communicate with you again as we receive further updates.

Yair Szlak, LL.B
President and Chief Executive Officer,
Federation CJA