Canada’s Jews shouldn’t need a fundraising campaign to pray safely – comment

On Yom Kippur evening, a shooting occurred outside Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, where approximately 25 congregants were gathered for Kol Nidre. Constable Jeff Smith of the Belleville Police Service, stationed in an unmarked car, was shot by 29-year-old Sean Ward, who opened fire with a shotgun. Bullets penetrated the synagogue's windows, but no one inside was injured. Constable Smith is in critical but stable condition, and the suspect is in life-threatening condition. The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is investigating the police's use of force, but the motive for the attack remains unclear.

• Ontario Premier Doug Ford praised Smith as a hero, stating, "We never have enough security."
• The incident highlights concerns about security for Jewish communities in Canada, especially given that over two-thirds of religion-motivated hate crimes in the previous year targeted Jews.
• Prime Minister Mark Carney previously acknowledged that "Canada's civic compact is failing Jewish Canadians" and announced $75 million for security, though the author criticizes the program's limitations for small congregations.
• The author advocates for mandatory, provincially funded police presence at all synagogues during High Holidays and Purim, and for Ottawa to simplify security funding for small congregations.