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Preparing together for back to school and the High Holidays

A man holding hands with a young boy, who is wearing a backpack, walking together outdoors. Text on the image reads: "Prepared. Aware. Together. A back-to-school and high holiday security update."

From building a unified, coordinated security network to training and educating community volunteers, UJA’s investments in the Jewish Security Network (JSN) has empowered our community to take proactive responsibility for our safety and preparedness. Through close, real-time coordination with law enforcement, UJA and JSN are committed to ensuring that protection against the hate we face will remain a permanent pillar of our community’s infrastructure. 

The weeks ahead are a special time for our community. Students will return to Jewish schools and, soon after, families and friends will gather for the High Holidays. These moments reflect the strength, warmth, and vibrancy of Jewish life across the GTA.  

The security environment requires ongoing attention, but our message is not one of fear: stay calm, prepare well, and look out for one another.

HOW JSN IS PREPARING

  • Working closely with schools, synagogues, law enforcement, and community partners
  • Helping institutions review security plans, strengthen procedures, train staff and volunteers, and prepare for busier buildings, larger gatherings, and new visitors
  • Monitoring developments and supporting institutions and police when needed from our 24/7 Integrated Security Operations Centre

Help Security Succeed

Security measures may include registration, identification checks, controlled entrances, visitor verification, and changes to arrival or service access.

These steps may mean that getting where you need to go takes a little longer, but they help protect everyone.

HOW YOU CAN PLAY A PART IN KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY SAFE

  • Make sure doors and gates close properly behind you.
  • Never share access codes or security information, including online.
  • Follow designated entry and exit routes to help keep entrances, sidewalks, and emergency routes clear.
  • Never hold secure doors open for someone you do not know.
  • Be patient and follow instructions from staff, volunteers, security personnel, and police.

Security Works Best When We Work Together

Police, professional security, cameras, and access-control systems are all important. They are even more effective when an alert and involved community helps ensure concerns are noticed and reported.

Around schools, synagogues, and other Jewish spaces, take a moment to notice what is happening around you. Limit distractions from phones, headphones, or conversations—especially during drop-off, pick-up, and when entering or leaving services.  

HOW TO RECOGNIZE UNUSUAL ACTIVITY

Pay attention to behaviour rather than appearance.

  • Someone lingering near an entrance, playground, or restricted space without a clear reason.
  • An unattended bag, package, or object that appears out of place.
  • Repeated photographing or watching of doors, cameras, security personnel, or procedures.
  • A vehicle circling, idling for a long time, or parked unusually close to an entrance.
  • Unusual questions about schedules, building access, layouts, or security arrangements, or an attempt to bypass a controlled entrance.
  • A damaged lock, open door, propped gate, or other sign that security may have been compromised.

One unusual detail does not necessarily mean there is a threat. Trust your instincts, but do not confront anyone or investigate on your own. Report what you observed and allow security professionals to assess it.

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING

EMERGENCY: Call 911 first

WHEN IT IS SAFE: Contact the JSN 24/7 Integrated Security Operations Centre at 437-222-3999.

NON-EMERGENCY: Report security concerns to JSN. Something minor may become important when combined with reports from other institutions or areas.

Share the location, time, a clear description, and the specific behaviour that concerned you. Do not touch or move a suspicious object, and do not place yourself at risk.

​By staying aware, following security procedures, and reporting concerns, you can help keep Jewish life secure and welcoming.

Wishing our students and families a wonderful school year and our entire community a shanah tovah u’metuka. May the year ahead bring safety, strength, unity, and peace.

JSN Management