Montreal police will significantly increase their visible presence at Hanukkah celebrations across the city in response to the deadly terrorist attack in Sydney, Australia, authorities announced on Monday.
Heightened Vigilance for Public Celebrations
Police spokesperson Constable Florence Stafford confirmed that the public can expect to see more officers at Hanukkah events. The enhanced security measures will apply to public festivities as well as any other locations considered potentially at risk. This decision comes directly after the tragic event on Sunday, December 14, 2025, which left at least 15 people dead at a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney's Bondi Beach.
City Leadership and Police Coordination
Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada stated she had been in direct contact with Police Chief Fady Dagher following the international incident. The mayor's priority was to ensure that police heightened their level of vigilance specifically within Montreal's Jewish communities. "These communities are feeling anxious, and our police officers are there to support them," Mayor Martinez Ferrada said.
The Montreal Police Service (SPVM) has also been in direct communication with leaders of the local Jewish community to listen to their concerns. In an official statement released Sunday, the SPVM outlined its plan: "We are currently reviewing our position on the ground and will increase our vigilance and visibility in areas where neighbourhood celebrations are taking place between now and the end of Hanukkah."
Ongoing Monitoring and Community Assurance
The police force emphasized that the situation is being actively monitored with the assistance of partners at various government levels. The strategic increase in officer visibility is intended not only as a security measure but also as a gesture of solidarity and reassurance to community members who may be feeling vulnerable after the overseas violence.
The commitment to a heightened security posture will remain in effect for the duration of the Hanukkah holiday, which is an eight-day Jewish festival. The move by Montreal authorities reflects a broader pattern of cities around the world reassessing protective measures for public gatherings and religious events in light of the attack in Australia.
