Toronto (Rajeev Sharma) — Police and political leaders gathered outside a North York synagogue on Sunday morning, March 8, 2026, to vow a “relentless” investigation and demand stronger protections for Jewish communities following a pair of weekend shootings. The update came just over 24 hours after bullets tore through the front doors of the Shaarei Shomayim synagogue near Bathurst Street and Glencairn Avenue. The incident was one of two synagogue shootings in the Greater Toronto Area within about an hour late Friday night and early Saturday morning, heightening fears in the Jewish community and prompting an immediate surge in police patrols.
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw stated that investigators are pursuing every lead and dedicating significant resources to the case, asserting that the service will leave no stone unturned. He noted that while this specific synagogue was targeted this weekend, there have been similar firearms discharges targeting the Jewish community recently and in past years. Demkiw described the acts as completely appalling and emphasized that the service is treating the matter with the utmost seriousness. He further acknowledged the fear and anger these acts create, promising a continued and visible police presence around Jewish institutions, schools, and community centres.
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree also condemned the violence in the strongest terms, describing it as part of a troubling rise in antisemitic violence that is not the Canadian way. He stated that the federal government will continue working with police and various levels of government to address hate crimes, reinforcing that every Jewish Canadian has a right to live free of discrimination. The North York incident followed a shooting at the Beth Avraham Yosef of Toronto synagogue in Thornhill, where at least six bullets struck the front doors. York Regional Police Deputy Chief Kevin McCloskey said that while investigators are working to determine a connection, there is currently no definitive evidence to suggest the events were perpetrated by the same individuals.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, while not in attendance at the Sunday briefing, issued a statement on Saturday condemning the shootings as disgusting acts of antisemitism, hate, and intimidation. She reiterated that the Jewish community has the right to practice their faith without fear of violence. As both the Toronto and York Regional Police investigations remain ongoing, authorities have issued a public call for any information or video footage that could assist in identifying the suspects involved in these brazen attacks.
