Jewish community in Halifax mourns after Australia mass shooting

Police in Halifax say they have increased patrols at local synagogues and Hanukkah gatherings following a mass shooting in Australia over the weekend.

The Jewish community in Halifax are mourning after a mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Australia.

Two gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney’s Bondi beach on Sunday, killing 15 people.

There are 25 people still being treated in hospitals.

Mark David, the past president of the Atlantic Jewish Council said the Jewish community is mourning those in the attack, while also worrying for their own safety.

“For a joyous holiday like Hanukkah in particular, it’s very difficult because we can’t celebrate unreservedly. We have to number one mourn those who were killed and wounded and also be concerned about our own safety,” said David.

He said they have also had to increase security during community events.

“Since October the 7th, but even before that, all of our events that we’ve had in the community, we have to make sure that security arrangements are in place and people are always very concerned and diligent about security and when something like this happens the sensors go off even more,” David said.

The suspects in the mass shooting were a father and son, aged 50 and 24, authorities have said. The father was shot dead and his son was being treated in hospital.

Hundreds gathered for the Chanukah by the Sea event, celebrating the start of the eight-day Hanukkah festival.

“What we saw yesterday was an act of pure evil, an act of antisemitism, an act of terrorism on our shores in an iconic Australian location, Bondi Beach, that is associated with joy, associated with families gathering, associated with celebrations,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Monday.

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs in Ottawa said the concern of violence at that level could become a reality in Canada.

“We have synagogues that have been firebombed. We have Jewish schools that have been fired upon. There’s a woman, 71 year old, who was stabbed in a supermarket in Ottawa,” said Richard Marceau. “All this to say that the threat is present in Canada and let us not kid ourselves to think that Canada is immune to to this type of thing.”

Increased patrol

Several Canadian police agencies have said they will increase patrols as well following the massacre.

Halifax Regional Police Chief Don MacLean said they have increased patrols at local synagogues and Hanukkah gatherings following the shooting, though there have been no reported threats to the Jewish community in the city following the shooting.

“There is undoubtedly a sense of fear in the community right now. Halifax Regional Police will do what we can to help members of the Jewish community enjoy the holidays safely,” he said in a statement.

“This support extends to anyone who is exposed to behaviour that is offensive, threatening or intimidating.”

Police say reports can be made by calling 902-490-5020.

With files from The Associated Press

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Vanessa Wright

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page