The Toronto Jewish community is on high alert following a frightening incident Thursday night in which three individuals were fired upon with a replica weapon outside a local shul. The Toronto Police Service has confirmed it is officially investigating the drive-by assault as a hate-motivated offense.

According to police reports, the three individuals were standing in front of the Bobover shul, located in the heart of the community near Bathurst Street and Highway 401, when a passing vehicle approached. An occupant of the vehicle then fired at the group using a replica firearm.

Authorities stated that one of the individuals was struck during the attack, sustaining minor injuries. Baruch Hashem, the victim did not require transport to a hospital. As the investigation continues, police have not yet released identifying information regarding the suspect vehicle or the specific type of replica weapon utilized in the assault.

The attack has deeply unsettled local residents and congregants. Raphael Goldberg, a member of the Chasidei Bobov shul, expressed the apprehension felt by many in the community. Speaking to local media, Goldberg noted, “Attacks like this one are frightening. Especially when they happen at places of worship.”
Reflecting on the broader climate in the area, he added, “I think there’s a hatred happening in the city and it’s scary.”

This latest assault is part of a deeply troubling and escalating pattern of violence directed at Jewish institutions in the region. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) issued a stark warning in response to Thursday night’s attack, noting that this is already the second such incident in just a single week, following three separate shootings that targeted Toronto synagogues in March.

“This is not normal, and it cannot become normalized,” CIJA declared in a statement. “Individuals were targeted outside a Jewish institution and subjected to intimidation and violence because of who they are and where they were.”

The organization emphasized the heavy toll these repeated attacks are taking on the local kehillah. “The cumulative impact on the Jewish community is profound. Families should not have to fear attending synagogue, gathering in community spaces, or simply standing outside Jewish institutions in Toronto.”

As the Toronto Police continue their investigation into the hate crime, CIJA issued an urgent call to action, demanding that “Governments, law enforcement, and civic leaders must treat these incidents with the seriousness they deserve and ensure those responsible are identified and held accountable.”