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As we prepare to light the first candle of Hanukkah, we awoke to the awful news that at least 11 of our brothers and sisters were murdered at a menorah lighting ceremony in Sydney, Australia. Many more have been injured. May the memories of the dead be a blessing and may the injured receive a complete recovery. We mourn with all Jews and pray that those who have lost loved ones be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Here in Toronto, there are a number of important steps that we must immediately take as a community.
Communal Security While we have no information to suggest a specific threat against our community at this time, the Jewish Security Network (JSN) is closely following developments in Sydney, and assessing the situation for any potential impact it could have locally. As a proactive measure, we have engaged local law enforcement, including Toronto Police Service and York Regional Police, and have asked them to increase policing presence and patrols around our community.
Every member of our community can help keep us all safe. Be vigilant and report anything concerning—including unattended bags and packages—to on-site security, police and/or 911. When safe, call the JSN’s 24/7 reporting line at 437-222-3999, so we can coordinate with police and our community-wide network. Remain aware of your surroundings at all times and avoid confrontation with individuals attempting to provoke reactions or create disturbances at community events. |
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Join Us Online Tonight to Light the Menorah and Stand with Sydney
While many families will be celebrating the first night of Hanukkah together this evening, we want to provide an opportunity for all of Jewish Toronto to come together virtually and show our pride and resilience.
Please join us today at 5:30 PM for a virtual community Menorah Lighting. Have your chanukiahs ready, invite your families, friends, and allies, and turn your cameras on as we light the first candle online together as a community and observe a moment of silence. This is our moment to stand up and emphasize that we will not allow darkness to triumph over light. |
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In addition, there are many communal and grassroots Menorah lightings scheduled across our city this week. We encourage everyone to go out and celebrate Hanukkah in public and to spread the light. It has never been more important for our community to show up for each other and display our pride publicly. |
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Demand More from Government and Law Enforcement The responsibility for the security of every Jewish Torontonian and Canadian in their homes, synagogues, and at communal gatherings belongs to government and law enforcement at all levels. They must acknowledge that the threats are real, and that we hold them accountable for protecting our community—during Hanukkah and always.
Antisemitism Update This Tuesday Please join us on Tuesday at 1 PM for a webinar on antisemitism in Canada. Leaders from UJA, The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, JSN, and Hillel Ontario, will provide updates on how we are combatting antisemitism in our communities, in the halls of power, and across the country. We will also provide the latest updates from Sydney and our own community’s response during this meeting. Register here.
Tonight, when we gather together as community to bless the Hanukkah candles, let’s send a clear message: just like the Maccabees, we are not afraid. |
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