Tanenbaum Community Hebrew Academy of Toronto (CHAT) faced a bomb threat today, leading to a swift evacuation of all students and staff. Toronto Police Service (TPS) is on scene, actively sweeping the building to ensure safety, and will provide an update on its investigation this afternoon.
This incident is the latest in a string of anti-Semitic incidents. TPS is also investigating a graffiti attack on a Forest Hill Starbucks near Bathurst Street and Eglinton Avenue. The vandalism, reported on the morning of Nov. 16, includes signs on the window stating “a cup of coffee? You mean a cup of blood” and “shame,” along with messages like “blood on your hands” and “free Palestine.”
Waking up to these images from my local Starbucks at Bathurst and Eglinton in Toronto, an area w/ a large Jewish population. In case your struggling to read the hate graffiti, it says, “a cup of coffee, you mean a cup of blood”, “stop killing babies” and “blood on your hands”.… pic.twitter.com/FjuBL5O1Fh
— Michael Levitt 🇨🇦 (@LevittMichael) November 16, 2023
In response to the incident at CHAT, United Jewish Appeal (UJA) Toronto emphasized the critical importance of Jewish institutions maintaining robust security protocols. TanenbaumCHAT and the Toronto Police Service are commended for their swift and professional handling of the situation.
UJA Toronto noted that the bomb threat is the latest in a series of antisemitic hate crimes in Toronto. The organization remains in close contact with law enforcement to monitor the situation’s implications for community security.
THREAT INVESTIGATION (UPDATE)
Tanenbaum CHAT, 200 Wilmington Ave
– police K9 unit are now on scene to assist human Officers with checking the school for threats
– please do not approach the Service Dogs
– info to follow #GO2659461 ^vk— Toronto Police Operations (@TPSOperations) November 17, 2023
UJA Toronto pledged to issue immediate alerts to the community if police guidance changes and adjustments to communal activities become necessary. The organization extends gratitude for community members’ cooperation during this challenging time and urges continued heightened awareness.
