The Government of Canada has offered several Montreal Jewish community organizations $293,083 to protect themselves against “hate crimes.”
The funds were announced by Liberal MP Anthony Housefather on March 14, saying the money was coming from the Expanded Security Infrastructure Program (ESIP). The program was launched in November 2023.
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) said they welcomed the investment.
“Given the recent targeting of Jewish institutions and record antisemitism; government investments are essential in securing our institutions.”
The organization also said the Strategic Infrastructure Program was “a key government initiative that the Jewish community hopes to see expended in [Budget 2024].”
Federation CJA was given $88,110 to pay for security guards to patrol its Jewish Community Campus.
Other Jewish organizations that received government funds include Académie Yéshiva Yavné, which received $107,779 to hire security guards and upgrade its surveillance and public address system, as well as 50 door barricades for each room of the school.
“Every child deserves the freedom to learn and grow in a safe environment, and knowing that robust safety measures are in place allows our students to focus on their education without the burden of worry.”
Baron de Hirsch - Back River Cemeteries Inc. will be hiring a security guard to monitor its grounds with the $32,646 it received. It will also install security film on windows and a PA system, and pay for training in security response skills.
Chaya Mushka Seminary was given $14,063 to buy window film for added security.
Congregation Shomrim Laboker will be putting its $3,477 into hiring security guards for its Shabbat Services, a Chanukah celebration, and a Purim celebration.
Les Écoles juives populaires et les Écoles Peretz inc. (JPPS Bialik) was given $26,103 to pay for security guards, replace fencing, and replace security cameras.
MADA Community Center is getting security film for its exterior glass door and an access control at the main gate, and hiring security guards with its $18,767 in government money.
The Reconstructionist Synagogue of Montréal was given $3,138 for security guards.
The announcement comes after the Jewish community has seen an increase in attacks, including school buildings being shot at, a firebombing at a synagogue, and an escalation of pro-Palestinian demonstrations across the country.
Protestors blocked the entrance to an event Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Italian prime minister were to attend on March 2. The event was cancelled as a result.
A Liberal Party dinner event was cancelled when protestors blocked the entrance to a Toronto restaurant on March 5.
“The demonstrators are attempting to block access to the building and are harassing those trying to enter,” the post said. “The protests we’ve decried for weeks have escalated into a hate mob targeting Jewish institutions.”
Pro-Palestinian protests have been ongoing since Israel’s counterstrike on Hamas terrorists after an attack in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, that left 1,200 dead, including seven Canadians.
