By COLlive reporter
Multiple shots that were fired on Shabbos morning at the Bais Chaya Mushka Girls Elementary School of Toronto, Ontario, have left many shocked and concerned.
The bullets hit the window of the school office, which was closed due to Shabbos, and no injuries were reported.
“This office is the room that the most people go into daily,” a person familiar with the school told COLlive.com. “Heaven forbid if the shooting happened during school hours when students and teachers are walking in and out.”
Toronto Police promised to find and arrest the perpetrators, hoping that surveillance footage would help them in the chase. But they said it was too early in the investigation to determine if this was a hate crime.
Others were more clear in their statements.
“Reports of shots fired at a Jewish elementary school in North York are despicable — a brazen act of antisemitism,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote on X. “Its perpetrators need to be brought to justice. I encourage anyone with information about this incident to share it with Toronto Police.”
Premier of Ontario Doug Ford said: “This is a gross display of antisemitism. It’s beyond belief that anyone could be this hateful. Every student deserves to feel safe at school. If you have any information, please contact Toronto police. These cowards need to be found and brought to justice.”
Mayor of Toronto Olivia Chow said: “I’m horrified by shots fired at Bais Chaya Mushka Elementary School, a Jewish girls school in North York. This is a despicable antisemitic act. Jewish children and families should not be made to fear for their safety. Toronto Police are increasing their presence around religious schools and synagogues. I am in contact with the Chief about the plan to keep children and families safe.”
The incident has led police to provide extra protection at Sunday’s Lag BaOmer Parade which drew many from the Jewish community in celebration of Jewish identity and pride.
Classes resumed on Monday with all students in attendance. The school had a total of 225 students enrolled from junior kindergarten to Grade 8.
Principal Rabbi Yaacov Vidal told the media that students, parents, and staff were feeling “a bit scared.” He told the Star: “It was pretty shocking. I think it’s very sad that people target schools where children are innocent and just create this extra fear and chaos for no reason.”
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Having spent a decade of my formative years learning in Bais Chaya Mushka Toronto it is absolutely horrifying and heartbreaking. So long as we’re in Galus there will be sonei Yisroel. My heart goes out to all the students and staff ❤️
I thought Canada was gun free.
According to the Ontario RCMP, 94% of gun-related crimes are from ILLEGAL guns obtained by gangs. Canada is gun-free for only the law-abiding citizens, the gangs and criminals are apparently fairly easily able to obtain guns, many of which are smuggled in from the USA.
A huge shout out to Rabbi Vidal for dealing with this terrible incident in such a professional way.
He communicated with the parents, was on hand for the students,and was present to speak to the many media personnel.
Rabbi Vidal made a beautiful Kiddush Hashem with his speech at the Solidarity Rally this morning.
May he never have to deal with such incidents again.
Moshiach Now!
He is the best principal, and is such a mentch