The Jewish Federations of Canada - UIA and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) are shocked and saddened by the loss of life and injuries resulting from today's deadly shooting at the Chabad of Poway Synagogue in California. On the final day of Passover, the sanctity of the Sabbath services was destroyed when a hateful antisemitic murderer killed one worshiper and injured three others.

This attack occurs six months to the day of the antisemitic murder of 11 innocent people at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 

Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the victims, their families, and their loved ones, as well as the entire community. We pray for the swift recovery of the innocents who were injured.

In response to the incident, CIJA and its National Community Security Program (NCSP) team were in direct contact with Canadian law enforcement and tracking the situation closely.

While there is no information whatsoever to suggest an elevated threat to Jewish communities in Canada, we are grateful that law enforcement across Canada were aware and responded accordingly with the necessary resources to safeguard our community. 

We continue to encourage all members of our community to be vigilant; if you see something suspicious, you should contact police immediately.

In partnership with Jewish Federations across Canada, CIJA has been in ongoing contact with synagogues, schools, Jewish community centres, and other community institutions to ensure they are informed.

Canada’s Jewish community is resilient and knows how to react in these situations. While we remain concerned about the rise of antisemitism, both in our country and around the world, we are committed to living our lives proudly as Jewish Canadians, whether in our synagogues, schools, Jewish community centres, or in public life.

Tonight, we stand in solidarity with Poway in mourning the dead and praying for the injured.

May their memory be for a blessing.