War in Middle East prompts Winnipeg police to boost patrols around places of worship, cultural centres
Police in other cities have also stepped up patrols in wake of Israel-Hamas conflict
The fear and insecurity stemming from the war in the Middle East has led to an increased presence by Winnipeg police around cultural centres, schools, synagogues, mosques and other places of worship in the city.
The police service continuously monitors world events and their potential impact on the safety and security of the local community, the service said in a news release and social media posts on Thursday.
Immediately after the attacks in Israel last weekend, Winnipeg police increased patrols around those venues, and people can expect to see that continued and possibly escalated in affected communities, the release said.
Police will also be visible at rallies and protests.
"Nothing can justify the slaughter of innocent people going about their lives," Winnipeg police Chief Danny Smyth, who is president of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, said in the release.
"We are disgusted that anyone would celebrate these attacks, or in any way associate these acts as support for the Palestinian people."
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The Jewish Federation of Winnipeg put out a warning Thursday, stressing that it's taking proactive steps out of an abundance of caution, including at the Asper Jewish Community Campus.
"As they show up to campus today and tomorrow, they'll see services provided by the Winnipeg Police Service — there's uniformed police officers; there is protection in the area," said Gustavo Zentner, the federation's president.
Zentner said the community is aware of communications online promoting a day of mobilization for supporters of Hamas.
The Congregation Etz Chayim in Winnipeg is taking extra security precautions as well.
Avrom Charach, president of the synagogue, said people in the community are "panic-stricken."
"My daughter, for example, she's taken off the Magen David [also known as the Star of David] she usually wears, because she's afraid someone's going to attack her," Charach said.
"It's not just Jewish people feeling that. Most people of good conscience are just horrified at what's going on."
Other cities boosting patrols
Police in other cities have also stepped up patrols after hearing concerns from community leaders.
In a news release issued Wednesday, Toronto police said they were aware of "global online threats" circulating about "events that may occur on Friday."
"This war has shaken the feelings of peace and security here at home," Chief Myron Demkiw said at a news conference Thursday.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah said his force is also monitoring the situation and has "increased deployment of resources."
With files from Matthew Humphrey