Gunman Wounds Officer Outside Canadian Synagogue During Yom Kippur Service

A police officer and a suspect were injured in a shooting outside the Sons of Jacob synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, Canada, on Monday evening during Kol Nidre services, marking the start of Yom Kippur. The officer, who confronted the armed suspect, sustained injuries, while the suspect was critically wounded. Images from the scene show numerous bullet impacts on the windows of the over century-old synagogue. Authorities have not yet determined if the motive was antisemitic or if the synagogue and its congregants were the intended targets, though the timing and evidence suggest the officer's swift intervention may have prevented a larger tragedy.

The incident occurred around 7:10 PM when the officer encountered the gunman near the synagogue. A gunfight ensued, resulting in both individuals being wounded and hospitalized. The Ontario Special Investigations Unit (SIU), a civilian body overseeing serious incidents involving police, has launched an investigation. The Belleville Police Department stated there is no further public danger and asked residents to avoid the area, adding that no more details would be released during the SIU investigation.

Israel's Ambassador to Canada, Ido Moed, condemned the shooting as a "terror attack" against the synagogue, praising the officer's bravery and urging immediate action to protect the Jewish community. He reiterated Israel's offer of assistance. The synagogue's president, Norm Weddum, stated that the shooting occurred directly at the front of the synagogue, with approximately 20 bullet holes in the windows, and expressed certainty that Jewish worshippers were the target. He confirmed that Yom Kippur services were canceled due to the incident.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford and other local officials strongly condemned the attack, expressing solidarity with the Jewish community and emphasizing that fear and intimidation have no place in their region. The shooting comes amid growing concerns about antisemitism in Canada, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau having previously warned of rising incidents, including attacks on Jewish schools and community centers, and allocating funds for increased security at religious institutions.