The Jewish Federation of Ottawa is issuing a powerful call to lawmakers across all government levels, urging immediate and decisive action to combat antisemitism. This demand comes in response to a series of alarming incidents, including recent shootings at Jewish institutions in the Toronto area, which have sent shockwaves through communities nationwide.
Recent Attacks Spark Community-Wide Alarm
Within less than a single week, gunfire targeted two synagogues and a temple in Toronto, marking a disturbing escalation in violence. Shaarei Shomayim in North York and Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto were struck by bullets on Saturday, March 7, 2026. These attacks occurred mere hours after the Jewish community received warnings to exercise heightened caution following military strikes by Israel and the United States against Iran.
Earlier that same week, Temple Emanu-El in North York was also shot at shortly after a Purim celebration. Bullet holes visibly marred the front doors and windows of the temple, serving as a stark physical reminder of the threat.
"We Feel It Deeply": Community Empathy and Fear
Adam Silver, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa, expressed the profound impact these events have, regardless of location. "Anytime something happens to any Jewish institution, or any Jewish community, whether it happens abroad or closer to home like in Toronto or Montreal, we feel it," Silver stated. "The community becomes empathetic and caring for those communities and the people affected."
He emphasized the direct connection between rhetoric and violence, warning that inaction has consequences. "Words do eventually turn into action, and a lot of actions start with words. By not holding people accountable for what they’re saying, or by not stopping certain false narratives and stereotypes … I don’t think it should be a surprise that the outcomes are what they are."
Ottawa Police Assess Threats and Local Hate Crime Data
The Ottawa Police Service confirmed it is actively assessing the recent shootings in Toronto and is implementing measures to ensure the safety of Ottawa residents. According to official OPS data, approximately 358 incidents were reported to the Hate and Bias Crime Unit in 2025. This figure represents a 25-per-cent decrease from the previous year, 2024.
However, the data reveals a troubling trend: Jewish individuals were the most victimized group, with 73 reported incidents. The police service itself cautioned that these numbers likely underrepresent the true scale of the problem, as hate crimes are frequently underreported by victims.
A Pattern of Local and National Incidents
The call for action is underscored by a pattern of antisemitic violence in the Ottawa area. In August 2025, a 74-year-old Jewish woman was stabbed at the Loblaw grocery store in College Square, a location known for its extensive selection of kosher and Passover foods. Joseph Rooke, 71, was subsequently arrested and charged in connection with this attack.
Further back, in 2023, the RCMP charged a youth for allegedly plotting a terror attack targeting "unnamed Jewish persons." Another youth was arrested in 2024 in relation to the same investigation.
National Surge in Antisemitism
The Federation's appeal highlights a significant national rise in antisemitism, particularly following the events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched attacks on Israel from the Gaza Strip, triggering an Israeli military campaign. Federal government statistics show that in 2023, the most frequently reported hate crimes in Canada were directed at the Jewish community.
These crimes accounted for a staggering 19 per cent of all reported hate crimes nationwide. This disproportionate targeting is especially alarming given that Jewish Canadians constitute only about one per cent of the country's total population.
"The more things escalate, here and elsewhere, it raises legitimate concerns here," Silver noted, connecting international tensions to local safety fears. The Jewish Federation of Ottawa's plea is a clear message to all levels of government: concrete policies and enforcement are urgently needed to protect communities and counter the rising tide of hate.
