A Jewish girls’ elementary school in Toronto, Canada, was the target of a shocking attack early Saturday morning when two gunmen fired five shots at the building. Although no injuries were reported, the incident has left the local Jewish community shaken and demanding swift action from authorities.
The Bais Chaya Mushka Elementary School, which serves the Hasidic Jewish community in the Finch and Dufferin area, had its front door glass damaged by the gunfire. Security footage captured two suspects exiting a dark-colored vehicle and opening fire on the fenced-in building around 4:52 a.m.
Despite the seemingly targeted nature of the attack, Toronto police have been hesitant to label the incident a hate crime. Inspector Paul Krawczyk of the Guns and Gangs Task Force stated that it was too early to determine the motive, but the investigation would be supported by the police hate crimes unit.
The local Jewish federation, however, has unequivocally condemned the shooting as a “brazen and deliberate attempt to intimidate our community.” They emphasized that in the face of antisemitism, the Jewish community remains strong, resilient, and committed to living publicly and proudly as Jews.
As the shooting coincides with the beginning of Lag BaOmer, a Jewish holiday celebrating unity and pride, the community has vowed to exercise enhanced vigilance while refusing to cower or retreat from Jewish life in the face of antisemitic threats.
