A Jewish elementary school in Toronto has come under gunfire for the third time since May, reviving deep concerns over safety and rising antisemitism among the local Jewish community.
On Friday, December 1, shortly after 2:30 AM, police responded to reports of gunfire at Bais Chaya Mushka Girls Elementary School, located on Chesswood Drive. Multiple suspects reportedly fired from inside a vehicle before fleeing the scene, prompting police to launch a hate crime investigation. No injuries were reported as the school was closed at the time.
This incident marks the third occurrence of gunfire targeting the school this year alone, with previous shots fired around Yom Kippur on October 12 and another assault back in May. The latest attack has intensified community fears as it surfaces just days after another synagogue was attacked by firebombs.
Police confirmed they discovered evidence consistent with firearm discharge at the school. Superintendent Paul MacIntyre emphasized there would be increased police presence around the institution, stating, “We will leave no stone unturned to try and find the perpetrators.”
Community reaction has been swift and vocal. Mayor Olivia Chow referred to the shooting as “unacceptable” and declared, “Enough is enough. Antisemitism and antisemitic attacks have no place in Toronto.” Premier Doug Ford echoed this sentiment, stating he was “outraged and disgusted” by the recurrence of such violence.
Rabbi Yaacov Vidal, the principal of Bais Chaya Mushka, shared the distress echoed among parents, students, and staff. “It’s very, very difficult, it’s very, very hard, to be woken up in the middle of the night to such news, and it is now the third time. No one should be afraid to come to school,” he said during interviews with reporters.
The fear is compounded by increasing hate crimes reported over recent months. According to Toronto Police data, there has been a significant uptick of 42.6 percent in hate crimes overall since October 7, which aligns with the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The data indicates a staggering 74.5 percent increase of hate crimes against the Jewish community.
Highlighting the seriousness of the matter, Ward 6 Councillor James Pasternak characterized the shootings as a “real sobering awakening” for the entire community. He expressed concerns about safety, saying, “What has become of this city? What has become of this country?”
Alongside the shooting at the school, Kehillat Shaarei Torah synagogue also experienced vandalism last Friday, adding to the strain felt by the Jewish community. The synagogue has been attacked multiple times, with two signs defaced. Michael Gilmore, the synagogue’s executive director, remarked, “If a sign asking for the return of hostages is triggering to you, then you need to take a long look in the mirror and ask yourself why.”
This most recent spate of attacks—including two prior gunfire incidents against the school and repeated vandalism against the synagogue—has heightened fears and raised urgent calls for stronger protections for Jewish institutions across Toronto.
Despite the challenges, community leaders continue to call for resilience amid adversity. “The Jewish community will not be intimidated,” Gilmore stated, reinforcing the unity and strength of those targeted. He expressed hope, claiming, “They consistently underestimate Jewish resilience and strength.”
Classes were scheduled to proceed at the Bais Chaya Mushka Elementary School as planned on Friday, with additional security measures put at the forefront. Nevertheless, tensions remain palpable as residents grapple with safety concerns and pressures stemming from violent incidents.
While the recent shootings and vandalism incidents have shaken the community, law enforcement assures it will intensify its efforts to combat hate crimes. An active police presence at religious institutions has been established to provide residents with some sense of safety and security as they navigate through these trying times.
With upcoming Hanukkah celebrations soon approaching, the Jewish community seeks not just safety but also hope—a balance of fighting back against fear with the strength of tradition and the light of unity. The prayers for peace resonate deeply, as Rabbi Nochum Sosover puts it, “We hope to see light prevail over darkness.”
