Ontario Jewish Schools Demand Increased Security Funding After Attack

Jewish schools and advocacy groups in Ontario are urging both federal and provincial governments to enhance funding for security measures after a terrorist attack on Jewish families in Sydney, Australia. The incident, which occurred on October 7, 2023, resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals and has heightened fears among Jewish communities in Canada, who are already facing elevated levels of antisemitic threats.

Rabbi Jonathon Jaffit, president of the Coalition of Ontario Jewish Schools, emphasized the urgency of the situation. “We can either wait until it’s too late and respond afterward, or we can invest now,” he stated. His organization represents 28 Jewish elementary and secondary schools in Ontario, primarily of the Orthodox denomination. He highlighted that many institutions are spending over $100,000 annually on private security, a burden that is becoming increasingly unsustainable without greater government support.

At the Toronto Cheder, a Jewish elementary school located in North York, Rabbi Shmuel Horowitz, the executive director, explained that security has become one of the school’s largest operating expenses. “Currently, we have one security guard at the front door inside the building,” Rabbi Horowitz noted, with costs reaching approximately $70,000 per year for that guard alone. In response to the violence in Israel, the school hired a second guard temporarily, an arrangement that proved effective but ultimately could not be maintained due to cost.

The financial strain extends beyond personnel. Rabbi Horowitz indicated that the school is investing in upgrading its surveillance systems, replacing outdated technology that posed security risks. “Replacing the cameras and upgrading wiring is estimated to cost around $200,000,” he said. Such expenses are compounded by various operational costs, including overtime and infrastructure improvements.

While schools can seek funding through the Canada Community Security Program (CCSP), Rabbi Horowitz criticized its limitations. The program covers up to 70 percent of eligible expenses for projects capped at $200,000, leaving schools to manage significant remaining costs. “The process is extremely granular,” he remarked, pointing out the cumbersome requirements for approval and the exclusion of certain technologies due to privacy concerns.

Ontario’s Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant offers one-time funding of up to $10,000 for security measures, but Rabbi Jaffit stated that this amount is insufficient to meet the specific needs of Jewish institutions facing heightened threats. “That grant is designed for every conceivable minority community without recognizing equity,” he explained.

In response to the rising antisemitism and security concerns, the Toronto police have reportedly increased their presence in Jewish neighborhoods. However, Rabbi Horowitz noted that while police patrols are appreciated, they do not cover the entirety of the school’s operating hours. “Toronto police are here almost every day, usually in the morning. But we’re open until five o’clock,” he said.

Recent data from the federal Open Government portal indicates that Jewish schools in Toronto and the surrounding area have collectively received just over $200,000 in federal community security funding since late 2024. This funding has supported various security upgrades, including access-control systems and incident-response training.

The push for increased funding is underscored by broader societal concerns regarding antisemitism. Prime Minister Mark Carney recently stated that it is “not enough to stand with the Jewish community — action must be taken.” Ontario Premier Doug Ford echoed these sentiments, promising that he would “not spare a penny” to ensure safety for all communities.

Noah Shack, CEO of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, highlighted the urgency of the situation following the attack in Australia. “Canada is not immune. We need urgent action from governments and law enforcement to keep our communities safe,” he declared.

For educators like Rabbi Horowitz, the imperative to maintain a safe learning environment is deeply personal. “We have to keep educating our children. If we stop, we don’t have a future,” he said, emphasizing the need for adequate resources to ensure their safety while continuing their education.

As Jewish schools advocate for increased financial support, they seek not only recognition of their unique challenges but also decisive action from government officials to safeguard their communities.