Gunshots fired at Toronto Jewish girls school for 3rd time this year

Toronto police are currently investigating yet another incident at the Bais Chaya Mushka Girls Elementary School in North York, where the school was shot at for the third time this year. The most recent shooting occurred in the early hours of Friday morning, with security footage capturing a vehicle pulling up to the school. A passenger then exited the vehicle and fired multiple shots at the building before fleeing the scene. Fortunately, no one was injured as the school was empty at the time of the incident.

According to Supt. Paul MacIntyre, a total of six shots were fired, resulting in bullet holes in the front facade of the school. This marks the third shooting at the school this year, with previous incidents occurring in October on the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur and in May. In connection to the October shooting, a 17-year-old boy and a 20-year-old man were arrested and charged with multiple firearms offences. Despite this, the school was targeted once again in the recent incident.

Rabbi Nochum Sosover, the school’s executive director, expressed deep concern over the repeated shootings, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety of the school community. He highlighted that while no injuries were sustained in the attacks, the severity of the situation cannot be understated. Despite the challenges faced, classes have resumed at the school, with Rabbi Yaacov Vidal, the principal, emphasizing the school’s commitment to providing a safe learning environment for students.

Mayor Olivia Chow also condemned the antisemitic attacks, stating that such incidents have no place in Toronto. She urged anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation. The Jewish Security Network, a local safety group, has been actively updating Jewish institutions in the Greater Toronto Area about the situation, stressing the importance of vigilance in light of the recent incidents.

As the investigation continues, Toronto police are working diligently to ensure the safety and security of the school and its community. With the support of law enforcement and the local community, the hope is to bring those responsible for these senseless acts of violence to justice and prevent any further incidents from occurring.