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Jewish Canadians remain the most frequently targeted group in reported religious-based hate crimes in Canada.
By Shula Rosen
York Regional Police’s Hate Crime Unit is investigating a “hate/bias-motivated” incident after a male suspect attempted to force entry into a synagogue and punched a congregant at the Sephardic Kehila Centre in Thornhill, a suburb north of Toronto, on April 26, 2026.
Police said the incident occurred at approximately 9:35 a.m. The suspect tried to gain access to the synagogue and assaulted a congregant during the encounter.
Authorities reported that the victim was not injured.
In a post, YRP described the attack as a “hate/bias-motivated” incident and confirmed that its Hate Crime Unit has taken over the investigation.
Police did not respond before press time to a media inquiry from The Canadian Jewish News (CJN) seeking additional details.
Rabbi David Kadoch of the Abir Yaakob Congregation, located within the Sephardic Kehila Centre, said the individual first attempted to enter the building but was stopped by security.
“He was questioned by our synagogue’s security team and ultimately turned away due to his suspicious behaviour,” wrote Rabbi Kadoch in an email to The CJN on Saturday evening.
The incident comes amid what police describe as a rise in hate-related incidents in the Greater Toronto Area, Canada’s largest metropolitan area.
Authorities have reported a surge in attacks, including recent gunfire targeting synagogues in and around Toronto.
In March 2026, the Shaarei Shomayim and Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto synagogues were struck by gunfire in separate incidents over one weekend.
Jewish Canadians remain the most frequently targeted group in reported religious-based hate crimes in Canada, according to the material provided.
In response to increasing threats, authorities have deployed additional security measures, including an increased police presence under what is described as Task Force Guardian.
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