Police are investigating after shots were fired at a North York synagogue late Monday night.
Toronto police say officers were called to Temple Emanu-El, near Bayview Avenue and Highway 401, at about 11:00 p.m. on March 2 following reports of gunshots. Congregants had gathered earlier in the evening to mark the Jewish holiday of Purim and had largely left before shooting happened.
Police said multiple shell casings were found near the front entrance and there was visible damage to the synagogue’s doors and windows and some people were still inside the building.
Police said there were reports of a vehicle leaving the scene shortly, but no suspect description has been released.
Deputy Chief Robert Johnson called the shooting “alarming” and said it is being treated with the highest priority. He urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information online and instead share any evidence directly with the police.
Rabbi Debra Landsberg said the attack was especially painful because it happened on Purim. She described the congregation as shaken but determined to remain strong.
Police reported that 22 antisemitic incidents have been recorded so far in 2026, which is 63 per cent of all reported hate crimes in the city this year.
Since Oct. 7, 2023, Toronto police have made 309 arrests and laid 858 charges related to hate-motivated offences.
No arrests have been made. Police say the investigation remains ongoing.