Montreal police increasing visibility during Hanukkah as Jewish community mourns Sydney attack

As Montreal’s Jewish community mourns the victims in what authorities are calling an antisemitic terror attack in Australia, the city’s police force is stepping up visibility and vigilance during Hanukkah celebrations.

The SPVM says it’s reviewing the deployment of officers on the ground and will adjust patrols in areas where neighbourhood celebrations are taking place through the end of the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah.

Authorities say that decision came as a result of listening to the concerns of leaders in Montreal’s Jewish community, with the SPVM saying that channel for communication will remain open as Hanukkah celebrations continue.

“The Jewish community here is feeling a real sense of fear,” said Sarah Fogg, the head of communications at the Montreal Holocaust Museum. “It’s not a surprise after this horrific attack that we would feel concerned about our own safety here. We should all really be working to create a society where minority groups don’t feel fear about their identity, about their religion, about their culture.”

While the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) says there has been “no indication of a specific threat,” the group’s senior vice-president for Quebec says it welcomes “a higher police presence around Jewish community institutions.”

“Because when Jews are attacked, we are worried,” said Eta Yudin.

The SPVM says it is monitoring the situation as it evolves and is working with partners at all levels.

“We’ve always had a good relationship with our local police,” said Rabbi Lisa Grushcow of Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom. “We’re getting very strong and positive messaging right now, which I imagine in part comes from the strong and positive and supportive messaging we’re getting from the mayor of Montreal.”

Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada confirmed she asked the police force to increase its level of vigilance after the attack overseas, noting that some Jewish Montrealers are feeling anxious.

“The attack on a Jewish community in Australia breaks my heart,” the mayor wrote on social media. “A day of great celebration and love has been turned into an act of violence and anti-Semitism.”

Martinez Ferrada added she remains confident that Montreal’s spirit of togetherness will guide the city’s response during the holiday period.

The attack on a Jewish community in Australia breaks my heart. A day of great celebration and love has been turned into an act of violence and anti-Semitism. I cannot imagine the pain felt by the members of this community.

Upon learning of the attack, I spoke with SPVM Chief…

— Soraya Martinez Ferrada (@SorayaMartinezF) December 14, 2025

At least 15 people died in the Sunday’s massacre. The violence erupted at the end of a summer day when thousands had flocked to Bondi Beach, an icon of Australia’s cultural life. They included hundreds gathered for the Chanukah by the Sea event celebrating the start of the Jewish festival with food, face painting and a petting zoo.

Police shot the two suspected gunmen, a father and son. The 50-year-old father died at the scene. His 24-year-old son remained in a coma in hospital on Monday. Police won’t reveal their names.

At least 38 other people are being treated in hospitals.

“This is devastating,” Yudin told CityNews. “These were families on the beach celebrating a holiday that symbolizes the victory of light over the darkness of oppression. And to be targeted this way as Jews for being Jews and hammered down. I mean, if you’ve seen the videos, it went on for quite some time.”

“It’s atrocious. It is awful, awful news,” added Rabbi Grushcow.

CIJA says it has been in continuous contact with the Prime Minister’s Office, Public Safety Canada, law enforcement and provincial and municipal governments to ensure there are measures taken to keep their community safe in the wake of the attack.

“We have been calling for political leadership to take action against what we’ve seen, the unchecked incitement to hatred, these calls for glorification of terrorism,” Yudin said.

Jewish leaders in Montreal said no one should feel threatened because of their identity.

“Those of us who are Jewish, keep our lights in our windows,” said Rabbi Grushcow. “We don’t feel like we have to hide them. Show up to these communal gatherings. And for those who aren’t Jewish, ask your Jewish friends whether there’s something that you can show up for as well, because solidarity means something, having allies means something. And everybody has something that they can do in some small way to help make this better.”

–With files from The Associated Press