City police increase patrols near Jewish, Islamic buildings in wake of Mideast bloodshed, terrorist’s call for action

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This article was published 12/10/2023 (737 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg police have stepped up patrols around local synagogues, mosques and other places of worship in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war.

In a statement released Thursday, the Winnipeg Police Service said, following the initial terrorist attacks Saturday in Israel, it “immediately increased patrols around cultural centres, schools, synagogues, mosques and other places of worship across the city.”

“People can expect to see a continued increased police presence in affected communities,” WPS said.

WPS Chief Danny Smyth, as president of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, released a statement Wednesday saying the association supports Israel’s right to defend itself.

“Nothing can justify the slaughter of innocent people going about their lives,” Smyth said.

“We are disgusted that anyone would celebrate these attacks or in any way associate these acts as support for the Palestinian people… Canadian police services across the country are vigilant in supporting Jewish communities here in Canada as they gather to mourn the tremendous loss of family and friends in Israel.”

Rena Secter Elbaze, executive director of Congregation Shaarey Zedek, said whether it is WPS or private security, guards are present inside its facilities during services.

The synagogue on Wellington Crescent is currently undergoing major renovations. In the meantime, its services are being held at Temple Shalom on Grant Avenue and Berney Theatre at the Asper Jewish Community Campus.

“We’re maintaining things as usual but ramping up security,” Elbaze said Thursday. “We want to give people peace of mind. We have set it all up so people feel comfortable and safe.”

Elbaze said the security presence “is also persuasive to prevent people from doing something… (Showing) we’re not closing anything down right now. ‘We’ll make sure we look after you.’”

Gustavo Zentner, president of the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg, said the organization has increased security measures at the Asper JCC, where the Gray Academy school and other local community institutions are located.

“We want people to go about their normal days and their normal lives,” Zentner said.

“I don’t think there is a level of fear (in Winnipeg) but, right now, we are faced with uncertainty after these terrorist attacks launched by Hamas on Israel. When you see the loss of life of civilians… it’s a challenge.”

The federation has sent out an advisory to organizations and individuals about the measures it is taking.

“You have likely noticed increased campus security and police presence around community buildings and at events to ensure the safety and well-being of our community,” reads the statement.

The organization immediately contacted Smyth after a former leader of Hamas called for supporters worldwide to be part of a “day of mobilization” and “heroism and sacrifice” on Friday.

“At this time, there is no known or specific local threat to Winnipeg’s Jewish community,” the federation said, adding WPS has not advised closing institutions or facilities at this time.

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“We ask for the community to exercise a heightened degree of healthy vigilance and situational awareness. Extra attention should be paid by Jewish institutions to ensuring all security protocols are being followed, particularly regarding access controls and doors that should remain locked.”

City police have also stepped up patrols around mosques. A spokesperson for the Manitoba Islamic Association could not be reached for comment Thursday.

Zentner said he is glad Winnipeg is a multicultural city, with a populace with numerous ethnic backgrounds.

“We don’t want to import that conflict here,” he said. “Be respectful, be mindful, and be kind with each other — and check in with people.”

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca

Kevin Rollason
Reporter

Kevin Rollason is a general assignment reporter at the Free Press. He graduated from Western University with a Masters of Journalism in 1985 and worked at the Winnipeg Sun until 1988, when he joined the Free Press. He has served as the Free Press’s city hall and law courts reporter and has won several awards, including a National Newspaper Award. Read more about Kevin.

Every piece of reporting Kevin produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press’s history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.