The Canadian Jewish Labour Committee (CJLC) stands in gratitude to the police services and first responders who protected our Jewish community over this difficult weekend. As a labour organization, we also recognize that many of those who stood between our community and danger are union members themselves.

Our hearts are with Cst. Jeff Smith, who was seriously injured while protecting congregants during a shooting outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville over Yom Kippur. We pray for his swift and full recovery.

We also express our deep gratitude to the Durham Regional Police Service, whose timely intervention and arrest of an individual planning to attack a synagogue prevented what could have been another tragedy. The suspect has since been charged with threats motivated by hate.

Finally, we appreciate the many public statements of solidarity with the Jewish community. But words of solidarity must be matched by meaningful action to confront the hate driving these threats and attacks.

Jewish Canadians should not have to wait for another threat or attack before labour leaders take this hatred seriously. The labour movement must confront antizionism for what it is: a hate movement that justifies violence against Jews. Labour leaders must listen to Jewish workers and hold accountable those who normalize hostility toward Jews.

People have become emboldened to threaten and attack Jewish communities because this hate movement has too often gone unchallenged. The broken record of condemnation is no longer enough.

The time for change is now.

Click here to send a message of gratitude for Constable Smith, which will be compiled into a book to present to the Constable and his family as a lasting expression of our community’s appreciation.

Click here to donate to the Belleville Synagogue Attack Response Fund, which will provide support and recognition of the heroic Belleville Police Service, and assist Belleville’s Sons of Jacob to address security needs.