TORONTO (VINnews) — Police and community leaders vowed a “relentless” investigation after gunfire struck two synagogues in the Greater Toronto Area over the weekend, heightening concerns over antisemitic violence.

The first incident occurred late Friday night at Shaarei Shomayim Synagogue near Bathurst Street and Glencairn Avenue, where bullets tore through the front doors. Hours later, a second synagogue, Beth Avraham Yosef of Toronto, was struck by at least six bullets. Two people were inside at the time, but no injuries were reported.

Toronto Police Chief finally admits: the synagogue shooting WAS a targeted antisemitic attack—not the "random subway violence" his deputy claimed.

After dodging, he backtracks under pressure from @EzraLevant. pic.twitter.com/9eLKMMPRPt

— Rebel News (@RebelNewsOnline) March 8, 2026

Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw said investigators are pursuing every lead and dedicating significant resources to the case. “We are going to be relentless and leave no stone unturned, and every resource necessary will be brought,” he said during a news conference Sunday outside the North York synagogue.

The briefing came after police faced criticism over perceived delays and lack of visible action following recent incidents targeting the Jewish community. On Sunday, Demkiw said the department is working to reassure residents and maintain a visible presence at synagogues and other Jewish institutions.

“This synagogue, as we know, was shot at this weekend, and we’ve seen other similar firearms discharges targeting the Jewish community recently and in the past years. This is completely appalling, and we are treating this with the utmost seriousness,” Demkiw said. “We’ve been very clear about the antisemitic and hateful nature of this act, and we will not stand for it, and we will not tolerate it.”

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree also condemned the attacks, calling them part of a troubling rise in antisemitic violence. “Every Jewish Canadian has a right to live in this country free of discrimination, free of antisemitism,” he said.

York Regional Police Deputy Chief Kevin McCloskey said authorities are investigating whether the two shootings are connected but have found no evidence to definitively link them.

Once again, a synagogue in our city has been targeted. Shot at in the middle of the night.

This is a violent act of intimidation — and part of a pattern of emboldened antisemitism that has no place in Toronto. It must be stopped.

Today, @TPSMyronDemkiw and I met to discuss the… pic.twitter.com/D2CmlQCrUM

— Mayor Olivia Chow 🇨🇦 (@MayorOliviaChow) March 8, 2026

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow condemned the incidents as “disgusting acts of antisemitism, hate and intimidation,” emphasizing that the city’s Jewish community has the right to practice their faith without fear.

Police are asking anyone with information or video footage to come forward. Both investigations remain ongoing.