Dear Community Members,
We are pleased to share the news that Toronto Police Service has arrested and charged a suspect in connection with a report of an armed individual in the Allen/Eglinton area. More details may be found here.
In a separate, unrelated investigation, police also arrested and charged a suspect who allegedly threatened an unnamed school in the Greater Toronto Area last Friday. More details may be found here.
We are deeply grateful for the rapid work of Toronto Police in apprehending these individuals. We recognize that these disturbing incidents caused significant concern in our local Jewish community. This was especially understandable given that public and other schools, including Jewish day schools, near the Allen and Eglinton were required to enter into “hold and secure” mode on Monday as a precaution.
While there is no evidence at this time to indicate a connection to antisemitism in these cases, we are relieved that this worrisome situation appears to be resolved. We remain in ongoing communication with Toronto Police to coordinate and support the security needs of our community. As always, we encourage Jewish community members and institutions to maintain a healthy sense of vigilance.
If you see something, please say something. Your first call should be to police. In an emergency, call 9-11 immediately. We also ask that you contact UJA Community Security’s 24/7 hotline at 416-635-5600 to report incidents, as this allows us to provide the latest information and best advice to Jewish institutions and community members. We also encourage you to consider adding our hotline number to your mobile phone, for ease of access.
Thank you – stay safe and healthy,
Ryan Clow
Director of Community Security
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto