Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada says she asked the police force to “increase their level of vigilance” in Jewish communities celebrating Hanukkah after a mass shooting in Australia. Sixteen people, including a gunman, are dead after two shooters attacked a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney. Australia’s prime minister called the incident an act of antisemitic terrorism. “The attack on a Jewish community in Australia breaks my heart. A day of great celebration and love has been turned into an act of violence and anti-Semitism. I cannot imagine the pain felt by the members of this community,” Martinez Ferrada posted on social media. She added that some Jewish Montrealers are feeling anxious, but she is “confident that the spirit of togetherness that characterizes Montreal will guide everyone’s actions.” Montreal police (SPVM) said they are “in direct contact with leaders of Montreal’s Jewish community and are listening to their concerns.” “We are currently reviewing our position on the ground and will increase our vigilance and visibility in areas where neighbourhood celebrations are taking place between now and the end of Hanukkah,” the force notes. We are also monitoring the situation as it evolves, with the help of our partners at all levels. Yair Zslak, president of Federation CJA in Montreal, said though Jewish people around the world are mourning, “we won’t let this cast a dark cloud.” “Jewish resilience has been here for over 3,000 years, and we will continue to be resilient,” he said. Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) CEO Noah Shack added that the organization is “devastated by the horrifying scenes from Sydney, where families have been targeted in a terrorist massacre at a Chanukah celebration.” “We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community of Australia, so similar to our own here in Canada, and pray for the victims of this atrocity,” he said. With files from CTV News’ Olivia O’Malley.
