Police investigate after two more Toronto-area synagogues hit by gunfire

Toronto’s Jewish community is on edge after a third synagogue was hit by gunfire in less than a week.

Following a shooting Monday, police are investigating two more incidents after Toronto-area synagogues were shot at within hours of each other.

Toronto Police responded to gunshots in the area of Bathurst Street and Glencairn Avenue shortly after midnight Saturday, where they found bullet holes in the doors of the Shaarei Shomayim synagogue.

Earlier, York Region Police responded to gunfire at the Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto synagogue in Thornhill.

In both cases, the buildings were damaged, but no injuries were reported.

This marks the third reported shooting at a synagogue, as another was hit by gunfire in Toronto’s north end Monday night.

Officers were called to Temple Emanu-El, where they found bullet casings and damage to the building.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow condemned the shootings on social media Saturday.

“Last night, two synagogues were targeted, in North York and Thornhill. These are disgusting acts of antisemitism, hate and intimidation,” Chow wrote.

Israel’s ambassador to Canada, Iddo Moed, said in a statement he was shocked by the attacks.

“These cowardly assaults on houses of worship are abhorrent acts of violence that strike at the heart of our shared values—safety, dignity, and freedom of religion.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 7, 2026.

The Canadian Press