UPDATE (November 5, 2019) – Toronto Police have now confirmed that the two men who tried to enter Yeshiva Darchei Torah last week were in fact repairmen sub-contracted by Rogers. This incident is no longer considered suspicious.

Toronto (November 1, 2019) - Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) is calling on synagogues and other Jewish institutions throughout Canada to ensure security measures are in place following two recent security incidents in the Greater Toronto Area.

Earlier this week, a letter sent to parents of students at Yeshiva Darchei Torah in Toronto detailed a security incident in which two unidentified men tried to enter the yeshiva presenting themselves as Rogers Communications repairmen. After being forced to use the intercom to gain entry, the two men were unable to present identification and were sent away. Rogers has since confirmed that no servicemen were sent to the area.

A week earlier, York Regional Police began an investigation into vandalism and trespassing at a Jewish centre in Georgina, ultimately leading to an arrest.

“These incidents serve as reminders to Jewish institutions that having security measures in place is critical,” said FSWC president and CEO Avi Benlolo. “We live in very troubling times with violent antisemitism becoming an increasing concern among members of the Jewish community. Thankfully, the yeshiva had the right protocols in place to ensure the safety of its students and staff. Both the Jewish centre and yeshiva did right thing by notifying police about the incidents.”