Multiple synagogues in British Columbia have been targeted with bomb threats, according to Premier John Horgan.
Horgan made the announcement on Tuesday, stating that several synagogues across the province had received threatening messages. The premier condemned these acts of hate and called for swift action to be taken.
The targeted synagogues include Congregation Beth Israel in Vancouver, Temple Sholom in Vancouver, and Congregation Emanu-El in Victoria. All three synagogues have reported receiving bomb threats via email.
In response to these threats, the Vancouver Police Department and the Victoria Police Department have launched investigations. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is also involved in the investigation.
Horgan expressed his concern for the safety of the Jewish community in British Columbia and assured that the government is taking these threats seriously. He also urged anyone with information about the threats to come forward and assist with the investigation.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver released a statement condemning the threats and expressing their support for the affected synagogues. They also urged the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
This is not the first time that synagogues in British Columbia have been targeted with bomb threats. In 2017, several synagogues in Vancouver and Victoria received similar threats, leading to increased security measures being implemented.
The recent threats come amid a rise in anti-Semitic incidents across Canada. According to B’nai Brith Canada, there were 2,610 reported incidents of anti-Semitism in 2020, the highest number on record.
The Jewish community in British Columbia and across Canada continues to face discrimination and hate, and these threats only serve to further fuel these acts of bigotry. It is crucial for authorities to take swift action and for the community to stand together against hate and intolerance.
As the investigations into these bomb threats continue, the safety and security of the Jewish community remain a top priority for the government and law enforcement agencies. The government and community leaders must work together to combat hate and ensure that all Canadians can practice their faith without fear.
