Ontario Police Investigate Overnight Shootings at North York, Thornhill Synagogues

Based on coverage from Newsweek, CBC, The Times of Israel, Global News, The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, and Israel National News.

Two synagogues in the Toronto area were hit by gunfire overnight, prompting a major police response and a wave of condemnation from leaders across Canada.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said police are investigating what he called “criminal antisemitic attacks” targeting Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto in Thornhill and Shaarei Shomayim in North York. The shootings come the same week another North York synagogue, Temple Emanu-El, was attacked.

No injuries have been reported, and police have not released suspect information.

North York and Thornhill synagogue shootings timeline

Toronto police say they responded at about 12:08 a.m. Saturday to a “shots fired” call near Bathurst Street and Glencairn Avenue in North York. Officers later found bullet holes in the front door of a building, and authorities confirmed it is a synagogue. Ontario Premier Doug Ford identified it as Shaarei Shomayim.

In York Region, police say they were called around 11:49 p.m. Friday to reports of gunfire near Clark Avenue and York Hill Boulevard in Thornhill. They found evidence of gunfire directed at a building in the area. Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca later confirmed the target was Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto.

CTV reported that officers in both incidents found evidence shots had been fired, and said it was too early to say whether the cases are connected.

Police investigations and increased GTA patrols

Both Toronto police and York Regional Police say they’re stepping up patrols, with added focus on faith-based institutions, community centres, schools, and public gathering places.

Mayor Olivia Chow said Toronto police are dedicating additional resources, including the Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force and the Hate Crime Unit, to support officers from 33 Division.

York police set up a mobile command post at Promenade Mall in Thornhill, with officers available to address community concerns. York police also said a dark sedan was seen in the area around the Thornhill incident, and Deputy Chief Kevin McCloskey told reporters two people were inside the synagogue at the time of the shooting, but no one was hurt.

Police messaging has been slightly different on whether the shootings are linked. CTV cited officials saying it was too early to connect them. Another police statement said investigators are examining whether the incidents are connected, while York police leadership has also said there’s currently no evidence the shootings were connected, though they are working with Toronto police and not ruling anything out.

Political reaction from Carney, Chow, Ford

Carney said the shootings were “an assault on the rights of Jewish Canadians to live and pray in safety” and “fundamental violations of the Canadian way of life.” He said the federal government will use “every tool available,” and that federal agencies including the RCMP will support local law enforcement to identify suspects and bring them to justice. He also pointed to newly introduced federal legislation meant to strengthen the Criminal Code and combat hate.

Chow called the attacks “disgusting acts of antisemitism, hate and intimidation,” and urged anyone with information or security footage to contact police.

Ford described them as “cowardly acts of hate” meant to intimidate and said the province will continue working with police to protect places of worship.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also condemned the shootings, saying he was “appalled” and that the Jewish community “is under attack in Canada.”

Jewish community groups and diplomatic concerns

B’nai Brith Canada identified the synagogues as BAYT and Shaarei Shomayim and said the shootings fit a broader pattern of antisemitic incidents that has included shootings and firebombings in recent years.

Israel’s ambassador to Canada, Iddo Moed, called the attacks “cowardly assaults” and urged protection for Jewish institutions.

Community organizations including the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs and UJA Federation of Greater Toronto called for urgent action and extra security, saying that when tensions flare in the Middle East, Canadian communities feel it at home.

Middle East conflict and local safety worries

Several leaders and police officials linked the risk environment to global events. Toronto’s mayor said antisemitic incidents often rise when international events unfold. York police leadership also said the war in the Middle East has local impacts, and police had already boosted patrols this week in response to rising tensions.

Meanwhile, some reporting tied the timing to a rapidly escalating conflict abroad, describing Israel and the United States striking Iran. That international backdrop has sharpened concern from community leaders who say Canadians should never be targeted for overseas events.

Police in both jurisdictions are asking anyone with video, dashcam footage, or tips from the areas around the incidents to come forward as the investigations continue.

Source 1 | Source 2 | Source 3 | Source 4 | Source 5 | Source 6 | Source 7