Increased security measures in Montreal amid Israel-Hamas war

With various rallies planned in Montreal amid the Israel-Hamas war, the City of Montreal and its police force (SPVM), say the population’s safety is their top priority.

Rallies in support of Palestine and Israel have been seen in the city since last Saturday. The SPVM reports no significant arrests or violence but they are investigating four reported cases against Muslims and Jews.

 “We don’t see any attack or any threat coming to Montreal, but it’s not because there’s no threat that we don’t want to be proactive, present, and more vigilant, and especially more visible and accessible in the community,” said SPVM police chief, Fady Dagher, in an interview with CityNews.

The police chief says they aren’t trivializing possible threats and encourage victims of hate incidents to report it quickly.

“It’s important for the police to understand what’s going on in the community, so it’s important for the community to call.”

The SPVM is also calling on the public to keep demonstrations peaceful.

 “We’re hoping that we sent the right message of peace, understanding, openness, respect, I want to be clear if there is any criminal event I will have zero tolerance me and my team,” said Dagher.

In a press release sent Thursday evening, the SPVM says it has been in constant communication with the various communities concerned, and has heard their preoccupations.

The force adds that they are taking the situation very seriously and implementing proactive action, even though there is no information to indicate that violent or threatening acts are imminent in Montreal. The force has increased presence and patrolling around places of worship and “sensitive areas”.

In its statement, the SPVM says it is also staying vigilant with regard to potential incidents or hate crimes related to this conflict. They encourage anyone who is a victim or witness of a hate incident or crime, to report it immediately by calling 911.

The SPVM reiterates the importance of respecting freedom of expression and assembly in public places. But remind the public that all demonstrations must be orderly, and the SPVM will do its utmost to protect this fundamental right.

“I want to tell all Montrealers that we take their safety very seriously. Of course we are working with the SPVM and they have been looking closely at every situation. During the protests, the SPVM was there. At this point I’m also really asking from the bottom of my heart to all Montrealers if they decide to go in the street, I think it would be time to ask for peace. We should all be united together,” said Montreal mayor Valérie Plante said at a press conference on Thursday.

On Tuesday, Quebec Premier François Legault said that security was being beefed up around religious sites in the province, but specifically in Montreal. Quebec’s public security minister has also reminded the public that demonstrations must not incite hate.

Preventative measures at Montreal Jewish Hospital as Hamas calls for violence against Jews and Jewish establishments

CIUSSS West-Central Montreal, the health authority which oversees the Montreal Jewish Hospital, said they were also increasing security measures.

In a statement sent Friday morning to CityNews, they said: “In the wake of Hamas calling for violent actions against Jews and Jewish establishments on Friday, Oct. 13, CIUSSS West-Central Montreal is taking precautionary measures to protect its staff and healthcare users, whose safety remains our top priority. All of our sites remain open, but non-essential services and activities will be canceled today.”

“Our Global Security team is maintaining close and regular contact with the SPVM. Even though local officials consider the current threat level in Montreal to be low, the presence of security agents has already been increased in various facilities around the CIUSSS. In order to further tighten security, certain entrances to some CIUSSS sites will also be closed, as needed,” continued the statement sent by Carl Thériault, Media Relations Specialist, CIUSSS West Central Montreal.

The SPVM police chief says it’s important not to fall into the trap of the fear being spread by certain groups.

“Let’s get calm, there is no danger, we’re going to be with you,” said Dagher.

Rabbi calls for calm, ‘no indication of [threat] in Montreal’

“It’s just a shame that anybody has to worry about things like this in a place like Montreal or in Quebec,” said Rabbi Reuben Poupko, from the Beth Israel Beth Aaron Congregation and Montreal Board of Rabbis.

“There is a very, very profound sense of concern amongst Jews everywhere, North America and in Europe,” he added, but assured that, “there is not a single indication of anything happening in Montreal. There is no specific threat to anybody in Montreal or any institution in Montreal. This is simply the result of an effort by somebody to frighten Jews and to frighten Jewish community.”

“In this case, the police have acted with remarkable dedication and diligence in doing everything they can to make the community feel safer and more secure. They’ve increased patrols, they’ve done everything that’s been asked of them and more.”

RCMP says it’s aware of social media threat against Jewish community

On Friday the RCMP said that it’s aware of social media posts threatening the Jewish community in Canada, calling it a time for “increased vigilance.”

Several other Canadian polices forces, including in Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver, say they have upped patrols in response to the Israel-Hamas war but have not identified any specific local threats.

A spokesperson for the Mounties declined to answer further questions about the social media threats, including whether the force was investigating.

The statement says any threats are taken seriously and investigated as warranted.

-With files from The Canadian Press