Over 100 Canadian Jewish institutions, synagogues, targeted in mass bomb threat

Over 100 Jewish institutions, synagogues, and hospitals across Canada were targeted with a mass email bomb threat on early Wednesday morning, according to Canadian police, politicians, and Jewish institutions.

Based on statements from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Thornhill MP Melissa Lantsman, between 100-125 Jewish institutions were targeted in the mass bomb threat.

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs issued a statement assuring that consultation with law enforcement indicated that there was no imminent threat and the emails were designed to “disrupt lives.”

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said that the threats to institutions included against hospitals, and that they were working with local police and faith leaders to ensure sites were secured.  

The Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver claimed in a statement that hospitals in India received identical threats. The RCMP confirmed it is conducting an investigation into the incident as a national security issue.

“We want to reassure the public that the safety and security of Canadians is our top priority,” the RCMP said on X.

The Toronto Police Service announced that it was aware of the threats made to Jewish organizations across Canada and would continue to assess the impact of the incident on the city. Some buildings were evacuated as a precaution.

Mount Royal MP Anthony Housefather and Hampstead Mayor Jeremy Levi stated on X that the Adath Israel–Poale Zedek–Anshei Ozeroff Congregation in the Montreal suburb was targeted. Housefather said that the building was now operating normally after security protocols were followed.

“Those who make threats to any religious institution in Canada, whether churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, gurdwaras, etc., should be charged and prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” Housefather said on social media. “Nobody should be intimidated from entering community buildings.”

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim and British Columbia Premier David Eby confirmed on social media that several synagogues in the city and province had been targeted.

“We stand with our Jewish neighbors across our city and country – united against antisemitism, threats of violence, and hate in all its forms,” said Sim.

Calgary MP Shuv Majumdar announced that Jewish institutions in his city were also threatened, which he attributed to “weak leadership that has failed to confront the rise of vile anti-Zionism and antisemitism.”

B’nai Brith Canada notified that it had been targeted in the threat, and that authorities were treating it as a hate crime and taking immediate, decisive action.

“In a country where all citizens should feel safe, these cowardly threats aim to terrorize our communities and erode our Canadian values,” said B’nai Brith. “The incitement we have been seeing almost daily in every city, on all our streets and in all our campuses across Canada have created this permissive environment.”

Lantsman blamed the ruling Liberal Party government for failing to address rising levels of antisemitism in the country, and demanded action ahead of the start of the school year and Jewish holidays.

Lantsman's statement

“As schools return and the Jewish high holiday season approaches, Jewish communities deserve to feel safe and protected as they join together for the holidays,” said Lantsman.

Special Envoy for Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combating Antisemitism Deborah Lyons noted that the threats came on International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism.

“This is where unchecked incitement and celebration of terrorism leads,” Lyons said on social media. “Laws must be enforced, glorification of terror – including praise for Hamas and Oct 7 – must be dealt with seriously, and Canadians must come together to protect the Jewish community from threats and attacks.”