Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow's Whereabouts Unknown After Synagogue Attacks
In the wake of a series of antisemitic shootings targeting synagogues in the Greater Toronto Area, Mayor Olivia Chow's absence from public appearances has drawn sharp criticism from community leaders and officials. The latest incident occurred on Friday, March 6, 2026, when the Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto synagogue in Thornhill was struck by gunfire, marking the third such attack in just six days.
Community Leaders Express Frustration Over Lack of Presence
Deputy Mayor Mike Colle, alongside Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca and B'nai Brith Canada, has publicly called for immediate action to address the escalating violence. Colle, who represents the affected community, stated he took charge of the situation after anticipating Chow's non-attendance at a critical news conference featuring police chiefs and government officials. "I told her I'm taking charge of this. It's my community, one of my local synagogues," Colle explained, emphasizing his frustration with what he perceives as inadequate responses from higher levels of government.
Chow's office has not responded to multiple inquiries regarding her whereabouts on Sunday following the attacks. Reports suggested she was scheduled to attend a polar plunge event at the Toronto Zoo for the Special Olympics, but there is no confirmation of her participation, and she does not appear in media coverage from the event.
Officials Demand Concrete Measures Beyond Words
Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca echoed Colle's concerns, asserting that "words are not enough" in the face of such violence. He criticized the normalization of antisemitic behavior due to what he called weak responses from leaders. Both mayors are pushing for enhanced security measures, including support from the Ontario Provincial Police, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service to combat what they describe as terrorism.
Colle revealed that he and Councillor James Pasternak have been advocating for a dedicated task force to fight antisemitism for nearly three years, with no response from MPs or MPPs. "It's not good enough to make speeches or propose laws after the fact," he insisted, calling for real consequences and a crackdown on suspected Iranian regime proxies allegedly funding these attacks through local criminal networks.
B'nai Brith Declares Emergency, Calls for Government Action
B'nai Brith Canada has labeled the situation an "emergency," demanding immediate action from all levels of government. CEO Simon Wolle and his team issued a statement calling for dedicated funding to deploy private police for synagogue protection across the GTA and a Royal Commission to address systemic antisemitism. "Terror is in our Canadian streets," the organization stated, urging the apprehension and accountability of those responsible.
Toronto Police Deputy Chief Frank Barredo had previously warned about resource limitations, noting that officers are being diverted from other duties to handle these incidents. This has heightened concerns about community safety, with officials fearing a potential escalation similar to attacks seen internationally, such as the Bondi Beach incident in Australia.
As the Jewish community grapples with fear and intimidation, the calls for Mayor Chow's visibility and leadership grow louder. With antisemitic violence on the rise, stakeholders emphasize the need for proactive measures to ensure safety and justice, rather than reactive statements. The situation underscores a critical moment for Toronto's leadership to demonstrate commitment against hate crimes.
