In a chilling recurrence of violence, gunshots were fired early Friday morning at Bais Chaya Mushka Elementary School in Toronto, marking the third attack on the Chabad girls’ school in recent months. Previous incidents occurred on May 25 and Oct. 12, the latter coinciding with Yom Kippur and labeled as “domestic terrorism” by Canadian parliamentarian Kevin Vuong.
Toronto Police confirmed evidence of firearm discharge at the school, noting no injuries but launching an investigation involving the Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force and the Hate Crime Unit.
Michelle Stock, vice president of the Ontario branch of the Center for Israel and Jewish Affairs, expressed outrage over the repeated attacks. “Imagine having to explain to your child why there are bullet holes in their school. In Canada, every child should be able to go to school without facing these kinds of violent threats,” she said.
Stock called for immediate measures, stating, “This is the third time this school has been targeted—this is completely unacceptable. We need action. There are concrete, common-sense steps that can be taken to protect our community and country.” She emphasized the need for accountability, arguing that “the lack of serious consequences sends the message to Canadians that the safety of children is less important than the freedom of criminals and extremists.”
Following the incident, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau released a statement saying, “I’m sickened by reports of shots fired at a Jewish elementary school in North York. This is a hateful, antisemitic attack on Toronto’s Jewish community.”
Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre condemned the incident, describing it as “another horrific act of antisemitic violence at a Toronto elementary school for Jewish girls.” He criticized the current government, stating, “After nine years of New Democratic Party-Liberals, our people are living in fear, hate and violence are on the rise, and Trudeau does nothing. Step up and protect our people.”
Melissa Lantsman, a Jewish Canadian Parliament member and deputy leader of the Conservative Party, echoed the sentiment. “This is the third time this Jewish girls’ school has been shot at,” she said, accusing the government of inaction. “Canada has become a more dangerous place for the Jewish people under the divisiveness of the weak and now wounded Justin Trudeau.”
Marco Mendicino, a Liberal MP representing one of Canada’s most heavily Jewish-populated districts, called the attack “sickening and outrageous.” He urged swift justice, stating, “Gunshots fired at Bais Chaya Elementary School. Sickening and outrageous. Find the criminals. Charge them. Prosecute them. Stop this madness.”
The attacks highlight growing concerns about antisemitism and the safety of Jewish communities in Canada. As the investigation continues, community leaders and politicians alike are calling for decisive action to prevent further violence and protect vulnerable populations.