Belleville synagogue members urge Ottawa to step up counter-radicalization efforts

Two members of the Sons of Jacob synagogue in Belleville, Ont., were in Ottawa on Monday urging the federal government to step up efforts against radicalization. The Globe and Mail reported the visit. Counter-radicalization refers to work aimed at keeping people from being drawn into extremist violence.

The congregation was the target of a shooting on Sept. 20. The attack came as members were gathering to pray at the start of Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement. Police described the shooting as a targeted act of antisemitism.

According to the police account of the attack, the shooter opened fire on a police officer stationed outside the synagogue. The gunman shouted, "You are going to die for the Jews," and a gun battle followed. Constable Jeff Smith was wounded. The shooter died the day after the attack. No one inside the building was hurt by gunfire.

Shima Vigoda, vice-president of the congregation, was present the night of the shooting. Douglas Lobel, who was inside the synagogue during the attack, said antisemitic flyers appeared in Belleville in the weeks afterward. He also said antisemitic slurs were yelled at people outside the building.

Survivors of the attack have said it points to the need to protect smaller Jewish communities and to address antisemitic extremism. They have called for more security funding and action on radicalization, according to CJN. Jewish leaders and members of Parliament have said that tackling antisemitism and hate should be a priority. Advocates have described the Belleville shooting as an escalation of antisemitic violence.

Some programs in Canada that work against extremism face expiring funding, the Toronto Star reported. The Star said the programs' funding is running out as advocates urge the federal government to strengthen counter-radicalization work.