Police Boost Patrols for Passover Amid Antisemitism Surge

0:00It's April 1st. This is Canada News Today, AI-powered stories from your city. I'm Corey with the story. Police in the greater Toronto area are stepping up patrols big time as Passover kicks off Wednesday evening and runs through next Thursday. They're focusing on Jewish synagogues, community spots, neighborhoods, grocery stores, and more. With rotating command posts popping up at places like Baycrest Hospital, the Leadbury Jewish Center, and a long Bathurst Street north of downtown. York Regional Police are joining in too, boosting their presence around worship sites, community centers, a Thornhill Mall, and local neighborhoods. During the holiday week, this comes amidst a spike in anti-Semitism, with Toronto police reporting that over half of all hate crimes since the Israel-Hamas war started have, targeted Jewish people. Premier Doug Ford has said many in Ontario's Jewish communities feel unsafe, and his government is doubling down on protection.

1:00Just last month, investigators looked into shot-spired at three synagogues in the area, causing damage but no injuries. That led to quick backlash from leaders across government levels, and Ottawa pledged ten million dollars to beef up security at Jewish gathering. Spots. Expect that extra police visibility all week to keep things calm during the holiday, folks in the community can breathe a bit easier knowing there. Watch and close.