Toronto police are investigating after evidence of gunfire was found near a Jewish girls’ school in North York on Saturday.
It is unclear how many suspects were involved in the shooting, but police believe the shots were fired at the Bais Chaya Mushka Elementary School from someone in a motor vehicle just after 4:00 a.m.
Insp. Paul Krawczyk says the school was empty at the time of the shooting and no one was harmed.
He says a window was smashed after it was struck by a bullet.
The school is located in a heavily-populated Jewish neighbourhood near Dufferin Street and Finch Avenue West and was the target of a similar shooting back in May.
Police are working to determine if the two incidents are connected.
The brazen act comes as members of the Jewish faith gather to observe Yom Kippur, which is considered one of the most sacred days in Judaism.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow issued a statement on Saturday where she condemned the shooting as a “horrific antisemitic” act.
“This is the second time the school has been targeted by this disgusting hate. I reiterate that the students of Bais Chaya Mushka have the right to learn, and the teachers have a right to teach, in safety and without fear of antisemitic attacks,” Chow said. “Jewish families and the Jewish community should not be made to fear for their safety.”
According to Toronto police, attacks against the Jewish community have increased by 69 per cent so far this year.
Mayor Chow says police will increase their presence in the area to “protect the community and keep people safe.”
“Antisemitic violence and threats are unacceptable,” she added.
With files from the Canadian Press.
