After Belleville Synagogue Attack, CIJA Urges Provincial Legislators to Confront Antisemitism and Strengthen Community Safety

Toronto, ON – October 27, 2026 – As Members of Provincial Parliament return to Queen’s Park for the Fall Session, Josh Landau, Senior Director, Government Relations (Ontario) at the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) issued the following statement:  

“When the Ontario Legislature last sat, Jewish communities were reeling from shootings at three synagogues in the Greater Toronto Area. Since then, the threat that security officials warned about has become a terrifying reality. 

“On the eve of Yom Kippur, an armed attacker targeted the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville. Constable Jeff Smith was critically injured protecting worshippers, while Constable Michael McCurdy helped stop the gunman. Their courage prevented what police say could have been a mass-casualty attack. We owe both officers an enormous debt of gratitude and recognize the lasting toll such an attack can take on them and their families. 

“Belleville is a stark reminder that antisemitism and violent extremism not only endanger Jewish Ontarians but also pose threat to all citizens and to our Canadian way of life.  

“Premier Ford and the Ontario government have demonstrated important leadership in confronting antisemitism and strengthening community safety. We commend their willingness to make difficult decisions and take action when it matters, including seeking an injunction against the terrorism-glorifying Al Quds Day rally. Those efforts have been important, and continued leadership will be essential as these threats persist. 

“The government's strengthened anti-hate directive for colleges and universities is a tangible step forward towards accountability. Institutions must now report how they investigate and resolve complaints of hate and discrimination, including antisemitism, and can face operational funding cuts if they fail to meet their obligations. 

“That accountability is long overdue. The federally commissioned CASE report and Justice Mary Lou Benotto's independent review at Toronto Metropolitan University have documented serious failures in responding to antisemitism. The glorification of terrorist violence witnessed at demonstrations around October 7 further underscored why institutions must enforce their rules. Jewish students should not have to fight for the protections every student is already entitled to. 

“The same standard must apply in Ontario's elementary and secondary schools. We continue to see fringe actors attempt to insert political agendas into our classrooms. This includes materials promoted by teachers' unions that have no authority to set curriculum. Teachers have a responsibility to educate students, not impose political views.  

“The Government of Ontario has already made clear that accountability and student achievement must come first. Protecting students from antisemitism and keeping political activism out of classrooms must continue to be part of that commitment. 

“At Queen's Park, there is also critical legislative work to finish. Bill 119, the Protecting Ontario's Streets and Communities Act, was recently considered by the Standing Committee on Justice Policy. Earlier this month, CIJA testified at Committee on the need for stronger protections for vulnerable institutions. We urge legislators to pass Bill 119 without delay; the safety of our communities is too important for this legislation to be left unfinished. 

“The warning signs have been there for years. Belleville showed us what is at stake. Ontario has taken steps to respond, but until Jewish Ontarians can live, learn, and worship without fear, that work is not finished.”  

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Additional background: 

• Statement: CIJA on Belleville Attack