Canadian Jewish communities call for heightened security after Australia attack

Jewish communities across Canada have urged the federal and local authorities to strengthen their security following the terrorist attack in Australia.

The Canadian branch of one of the oldest and most prominent Jewish organisations, B’nai Brith, specifically called for enhanced protection of synagogues, Jewish schools, and other community facilities, Caliber.Az reports, citing The Globe and Mail reports.

Canadian Jews fear that similar attacks could occur in the country.

Following the appeal, police departments in major cities, including Calgary, Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto, pledged to increase security in areas housing Jewish community institutions.

In response to rising concerns over potential attacks, Israel’s National Security Council issued an urgent advisory for its citizens abroad after the Sydney incident.

The council urged people to avoid unsecured public events, including Hanukkah celebrations at synagogues and Chabad houses, and to remain vigilant near Jewish and Israeli sites, reporting any suspicious individuals or objects to authorities.

On December 14, two men opened fire during a large Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, killing around 15 people and injuring at least 40, including two police officers, as reported by several outlets.

Witnesses and police said the shooters fired from a nearby bridge into the crowd of families and festival‑goers, with one gunman killed at the scene and the second taken into custody in critical condition, while improvised explosive devices were found linked to the suspects.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the incident as an “act of evil antisemitism,” convened a national security meeting, and vowed to address the hate that fuelled the attack as authorities launched a comprehensive counter‑terrorism investigation.

The attack has drawn global condemnation and has prompted enhanced security measures, as Jewish organisations and world leaders expressed shock and solidarity with victims and called for stronger efforts against antisemitic violence.

By Jeyhun Aghazada