Over 100 synagogues, Jewish organizations, and doctors in various cities across Canada were placed on high alert after receiving a coordinated threatening email on Wednesday.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed that the threats targeted “a number of institutions, including synagogues and hospitals, across Canada.”
“Law enforcement is actively working with faith-based leaders to ensure they have the necessary information and support,” the RCMP said in a statement.
The RCMP is collaborating with local law enforcement agencies to secure the affected locations, and the Federal Policing National Security Program is investigating the origins of the threats.
Although police advised Jewish leaders that there was no immediate danger of physical violence, the threatening email still had a profound impact.
The email contained death threats and warnings of physical harm, with the stated intent of inciting “terror.”
“It is deeply disturbing to learn that more than 100 Jewish institutions across the country were threatened earlier this morning,” said Michael Levitt, CEO of the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center.
These threats come amidst a sharp increase in antisemitism in Canada following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and Israel’s subsequent military actions in the Gaza Strip. B’nai Brith Canada’s annual report in May noted that reports of antisemitic incidents had doubled in 2023.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his outrage over the threatening emails.
“This is blatant antisemitism,” he stated. “The RCMP is coordinating with local law enforcement to investigate, and we are working together to ensure the safety of Jewish Canadians.”
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As a precaution, B’nai Brith reported that its Toronto office was thoroughly inspected for explosives.
