Open in full screen mode The RCMP says anyone who feels threatened online or in person should contact their local police force. Radio-Canada< p class="StyledBodyHtmlParagraph-sc-48221190-4 hNZoeU">As threats against the Jewish community circulate on social networks, in the context of the war between Israel and Hamas, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) asks the public to be on the lookout. The time has come to be extra vigilant. We will not tolerate any form of intimidation, harassment or harmful targeting of communities or individuals in Canada, says an RCMP press release released Thursday. Federal police add that anyone who feels threatened online or in person should contact their local police department. Federal Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc said he discussed the Jewish community's concerns with RCMP management. Minister LeBlanc and his Justice colleague, Arif Virani, held a meeting with their provincial and territorial counterparts on Thursday. In a joint statement, the ministers called on Canadians to stand united. Our law enforcement and security partners remain vigilant for these potential disruptions and are monitoring the situation closely to ensure the security of all Canadian citizens, we can read in the declaration. According to the Reuters agency, a former Hamas leader launched a call for protests worldwide on Friday.
Toronto police have increased security near synagogues like this one.
The Greater Toronto and Vancouver Police Services have increased patrols in certain areas, particularly around Jewish places of worship.
Toronto police said they are aware of global online threats circulating about events that could happen on Friday.
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw said the department is increasing patrols around the city's cultural centers, places of worship and schools, although there are currently no threats. credible targeting them.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged heightened concerns over the conflict in Israel.
I want to take a moment to reassure the Jewish and Muslim communities in Canada who feel particularly vulnerable. I want you to know that we are continuing our efforts to keep our places of worship and our communities safe, he said Thursday, adding that MPs are in contact with local police forces.
The Police Service of the City of Montreal (SPVM) specified for its part that measures had been taken, in particular a visibility plan around places of worship and other places of interest.
The SPVM stressed that there was no significant increase in complaints or incidents due to events linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We ask the population to be vigilant. Hateful gestures are unacceptable and we take them very seriously, said the police in a press release.
Hasidic Jews march on Bernard Street. (Archive photo)
The SPVM met with representatives of the Hasidic Jewish community and confirmed to them that there would be a greater presence police around the synagogues on Friday.
The synagogue to be monitored would be the one located at the corner of Hutchison and Fairmount streets, according to the spokesperson of the community.
Also in Montreal, the Jewish General Hospital invited its teams to only keep on the schedule, on Friday, those appointments deemed essential for their patients and thus reduce the number of people who will attend the establishment.
In her message to employees, the hospital's director of professional services, Louise Miner, included screenshots of messages calling, according to her description, for global attacks against Jewish sites, institutions and organizations, including schools and restaurants.
The hospital says it is in contact with the SPVM and, even if the threat level in Montreal is still considered weak, writes Ms. Miner, the police presence will be reinforced around the hospital, located on Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine.
We do not want to create panic, writes Ms. Miner, while there is currently no specific threat against the Jewish General Hospital.
In Laval, entrances to the Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital will be controlled and security agents will be present throughout the weekend, according to information obtained by Radio-Canada. The Laval Police Department has been informed of the situation.