Vaughan Mayor Responds to Gunfire Incident at Thornhill Synagogue

A shooting investigation is underway following a gunfire incident that struck the Beth Avraham Yosef of Toronto synagogue in Thornhill late on March 15, 2024. The York Regional Police reported that officers responded to calls about shots fired at approximately 23:49 local time. Upon arrival, they discovered evidence indicating that the building, located on Clark Avenue, had been targeted.

Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca issued a strong condemnation of the incident, labelling it as a “hateful and anti-Semitic act.” In a statement on Saturday morning, he expressed his disgust and anger, highlighting the potential emotional impact on the Jewish community in Vaughan. “I am both disgusted and angered to learn that the Beth Avraham Yosef of Toronto synagogue in our community has been hit with gunfire overnight. Thankfully, no one was injured, but I know this hateful and anti-Semitic act will affect my Jewish residents deeply,” Del Duca stated.

In response to the shooting, Del Duca announced plans for increased police presence around local synagogues in the coming days. He confirmed that a mobile command post from York Regional Police would be stationed at Promenade Shopping Centre to enhance security measures in the area. “We need other levels of government to move beyond words and to take specific concrete action that will make it clear that anti-Semitism and Jew hatred will not be tolerated and that those engaging in these despicable acts will be dealt with using every available means,” he added.

The police have indicated that a dark-coloured sedan was observed in the vicinity at the time of the shooting. As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. They are expected to provide further updates to the media at approximately 10:30 a.m. on March 16, 2024.

This incident has raised serious concerns about safety and the rising trend of anti-Semitic acts in the region. The community is calling for swift action and accountability to ensure that such incidents do not become a recurring issue.