The healing process continues for the Sons of Jacob Synagogue congregation as people come to grips with Sunday evening’s shooting.
In a statement, Synagogue officials say members of the congregation gathered to observe Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year when shots rang out.
They say all members survived and were uninjured thanks to the heroism of Belleville Police Const. Jeff Smith, who was stationed outside the synagogue and was seriously wounded in the exchange of gunfire.
“We will never know what might have happened inside our synagogue had Const. Smith not been there,” the statement read in part.
Around 7:10 p.m. on Sunday, as congregants were gathering for Kol Nidre services, gunfire erupted outside the synagogue.
“Congregants were instructed to get down and remain inside as the situation unfolded. Approximately 25 people were inside the building. Thankfully, no congregant was physically injured, but we were not untouched.”
“Our place of worship was struck by gunfire. Our sacred Yom Kippur service was interrupted. Our community was forced to take cover inside our sanctuary on a night devoted to reflection, prayer and atonement.
“That is something no congregation should ever have to experience.”
Officials say they are grateful to the Belleville Police Service, emergency responders and the Ontario Special Investigations Unit for their response and for the work now underway to establish exactly what happened in what was ‘clearly a targeted attack against Jews gathering together to pray and be in community.’
“Jews must be able to gather, pray and live openly in our communities without fear. We are asking our neighbours, fellow faith communities and all Canadians to stand with us not only in this moment, but in the days ahead.”
A Go Fund Me has been created, along with a response fund from The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs for Sons of Jacob.
To support Constable Smith: https://gofund.me/0427cef3b
