Belleville Police Chief Murray Rodd confirmed today that Sunday night’s shooting outside Sons of Jacob Synagogue was a hate-motivated crime, stating: “Make no mistake, this was a targeted attack against the Jewish community.” Police say the gunman yelled, “you’re going to die for the Jews” before opening fire on Constable Jeff Smith. The attack unfolded as members of Belleville’s Jewish community gathered for Kol Nidre services on Yom Kippur. Constable Smith, who was stationed outside the synagogue, was shot multiple times but continued to engage the attacker. Less than three minutes later, Constable Michael McCurdy arrived and immediately moved toward the danger. Chief Rodd said the actions of both officers prevented what could have become an “unimaginable tragedy.” Constable Jeff Smith and Constable Michael McCurdy are heroes. They put themselves directly in harm’s way and stopped an armed attacker outside a synagogue filled with Jewish worshippers on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. We are profoundly grateful for their courage and continue to pray for Constable Smith, as he remains in critical condition. This is where we are in Canada. Every Canadian should be shaken to their core by this.

Shana Tova! 🍎🍯 As we welcome 5787, Rosh Hashanah offers a time for reflection, renewal and new beginnings. Wishing you and your loved ones a sweet new year filled with health, happiness, peace and hope. From all of us at FSWC, Shana Tova U’Metuka!

FSWC welcomes the Inspector General’s leadership in issuing these important recommendations for strengthening police responses to hate crimes against the Jewish community, and appreciates the collaborative process that helped inform it, including the June 15 meeting with community organizations and policing leaders. Addressing antisemitic and hate-motivated incidents takes the same kind of teamwork we saw in that discussion. We want to acknowledge the many organizations and police leaders who helped shape this work, and we’re ready to support implementation with evidence-based education, practical training and strong partnerships – drawing on FSWC’s long history of operational police training across Ontario.

We are saddened by the tragic death of Toronto Police Service Constable Marc Pinizzotto, who was killed in the line of duty today. Constable Pinizzotto served the people of Toronto for 18 years, including five years as a member of the Emergency Task Force. As Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw said, “They are grieving a profound loss.” Today, that loss is felt far beyond his family and colleagues. It is felt across our city by all who value the courage and sacrifice of those who serve and protect. As the Toronto Police Service has rightly said, Constable Pinizzotto was “a hero in life, not death.” Michael Levitt, President and CEO of FSWC, said: “Constable Marc Pinizzotto dedicated his life to protecting the people of Toronto. His tragic death in the line of duty is a heartbreaking loss for his family, his colleagues and our entire city. We honour his courage, commitment and sacrifice, and extend our deepest condolences to all those mourning his loss. May his memory forever be a blessing.”