Another Anti-Semitic Incident Reported Near Belleville Synagogue Following Yom Kippur Attack

A few days after the attempted attack at the Bnei Yaakov Synagogue in Belleville, Canada, another anti-Semitic incident unfolded, targeting the small Jewish community in the city of approximately 150 residents. This time, neo-Nazi propaganda materials were distributed throughout the city, including within the synagogue, on the morning of Thursday. The Belleville Police Department, still investigating the Yom Kippur evening event that resulted in the neutralization of 29-year-old terrorist Sean Ward from the nearby town of Quinta West, stated it was aware of the distribution of flyers on the eastern edge of Belleville containing anti-Semitic messages. The department is actively investigating the new incident and is seeking public assistance with information and evidence.

“We recognize that events such as this may cause concern in our community. Hatred has no place in Belleville, and the Belleville Police Department remains in contact with community leaders and takes proactive steps to support the safety and well-being of residents,” the local police said. “Increased patrols will continue throughout Belleville, including around places of worship and other community gatherings.”

Among the fliers allegedly distributed and obtained by the Canadian Jewish News (CJN) website, the main media outlet of the Canadian Jewish community, are a flyer accusing Jews of being in contact with the coronavirus pandemic, and another accusing Jews of being in connection with encouraging abortion. “The harassment of this synagogue, which is still suffering from the trauma of the attack on Yom Kippur, is a cowardly attempt to intimidate, intimidate and mock the Jewish community,” said Simon Walla, CEO of Bnei Brit Canada. “There must be zero tolerance for those who seek to continue endangering Canadian Jews,” he added.

The Alliance believes that the material in question is affected or related and was distributed by the League for the Protection of the Gentiles (GDL), a US-based neo-Nazi group. Identical leaflets signed by the organization were seized by the FBI in 2022 in Springfield, Missouri. One popular GDL conspiracy theory is that the Jewish people can be blamed for the coronavirus pandemic. According to a Canadian media outlet, the shooter from Belleville, who previously served as a soldier in the Canadian Army, held this view and quoted it in his posts on social media before carrying out his attack during Yom Kippur last month. He was reportedly also discharged from the military due to his refusal to be vaccinated against the virus.

Alliance and Anti-Defamation League organizations have been waging an all-out war on the GDL and its website, which is not accessible from Israel but is still available to Canadians despite postings downloaded from the web. The ongoing efforts highlight the persistent threat of anti-Semitic ideology and the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable communities. As Micah 6:8 reminds us, we are to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. Such principles call for unwavering support for those facing hatred and discrimination.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Hebrew)