A Jewish girls’ school in North York has been targeted by gunfire for the second time, leaving the community deeply troubled.
According to Toronto police, the incident occurred on Sunday evening at the Bais Yaakov Elementary School on Wilmington Avenue. No injuries were reported, but the building sustained damage from the bullets.
This is not the first time the school has been hit by gunfire. In October, the same school was targeted in a drive-by shooting, which also caused damage to the building.
The school’s principal, Rabbi Mordechai Greenberg, expressed his concern and frustration over the repeated attacks. “It’s deeply troubling that our school, a place of education and safety, has been targeted not once, but twice,” he said.
The Toronto Police Service’s Hate Crime Unit is currently investigating the incident, and they have not ruled out the possibility of a hate crime. However, they are also looking into other potential motives.
The school has been closed for in-person learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but staff members were inside the building at the time of the shooting. The school has since released a statement assuring parents and students that they are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their students and staff.
Mayor John Tory also condemned the shooting, stating that “there is no place for hate or violence in our city.” He urged anyone with information to come forward and assist the police in their investigation.
The Jewish community in North York has been on high alert since the first shooting in October. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) has called for increased security measures to protect the community and its institutions.
The school has been a part of the North York community for over 50 years and has always been a safe haven for its students. The repeated attacks have left the community shaken and concerned for their safety.
As the investigation continues, the community is hoping for answers and for those responsible to be brought to justice. In the meantime, the school remains closed and the community is rallying together to support each other during this difficult time.
