OTTAWA, Ontario — More than 100 synagogues, Jewish organizations and doctors in multiple cities across Canada were on high alert after they received the same threatening email Wednesday.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed threats were made to “a number of institutions, including synagogues and hospitals, across Canada.”
“Law enforcement is also engaging with faith-based leaders to ensure they have the information and support they need,” a statement from the Mounties said.
The RCMP said it was working with local law enforcement to ensure locations are safe, and the Federal Policing National Security Program was investigating the source of the threats.
Several Jewish leaders said police felt there was no imminent threat of physical violence but the impact of the email was still stark.
The email included threats of death and physical harm and indicated the goal was to cause “terror.”
“It is absolutely chilling to hear of more than 100 Jewish institutions across the country being threatened earlier this morning,” said Michael Levitt, CEO of the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center.
The latest threats come amid a significant rise in antisemitism in Canada following the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israel and Israel’s subsequent military campaign in the Gaza Strip. B’nai Brith Canada’s annual report in May said reports of antisemitic incidents had doubled in 2023 in Canada.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was disgusted by the news about the threatening emails.
“This is blatant antisemitism,” he said in a statement. “The RCMP is in contact with local law enforcement to investigate, and we’re working with them to keep Jewish Canadians safe.”
A statement from B’nai Brith said its Toronto office was swept for explosives as a precaution.
In recent weeks, numerous Jewish organizations and doctors in Canada have been targeted with a series of identical threatening emails. The emails, which contain anti-Semitic language and threats of violence, have sparked concern and fear within the Canadian Jewish community.
The emails, which have been sent to a variety of Jewish organizations and individual doctors across the country, all contain similar language and threats. The sender of the emails claims to be part of a group that is targeting Jewish individuals and organizations in Canada. The emails often contain references to historical acts of violence against Jewish people and make threats of similar actions in the future.
The targeted organizations and doctors have reported the emails to local law enforcement and have taken steps to increase security measures at their facilities. Many have also reached out to community leaders and advocacy groups for support and guidance on how to handle the situation.
The Canadian government has also condemned the threats and has promised to investigate the source of the emails. Public Safety Minister Bill Blair stated, “There is no place for hate in Canada, and we will not tolerate any form of anti-Semitism or discrimination. We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all Canadians, regardless of their religion or background.”
The rise in anti-Semitic incidents in Canada is a troubling trend that has been on the rise in recent years. According to a report by B’nai Brith Canada, incidents of anti-Semitic harassment, vandalism, and violence have increased by 18% in 2020 compared to the previous year.
The targeting of Jewish organizations and doctors with threatening emails is just one example of the many forms of anti-Semitism that exist in Canada and around the world. It is important for individuals and communities to stand together against hate and discrimination and to support those who are being targeted.
In response to the threats, many Jewish organizations and community leaders have called for increased awareness and education about anti-Semitism and have urged the government to take action to address the issue. It is crucial for all Canadians to come together to condemn hate and work towards creating a more inclusive and tolerant society for all.
