A threatening email was sent early Wednesday morning to dozens of Jewish institutions across Canada, including several in Montreal, prompting investigations by police in multiple cities and the RCMP.

The email was sent to more than 100 synagogues, Jewish community centres and other institutions across the country, said a spokesperson for the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) in an interview Wednesday morning. The email warned the institutions that explosives had been placed in black backpacks and would be set off in a matter of hours.

Police in Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa and other cities across Canada responded to the threats, evacuating buildings as a precaution and searching for any signs of explosives. In Montreal, police conducted searches of synagogues in Hampstead, Westmount, St-Laurent, Dollard-des-Ormeaux and Côte Saint-Luc, among other places.

The Toronto Police Service said it had searched buildings on Bathurst Street and Sheppard Avenue West for a bomb threat. "The buildings were evacuated as a precaution and cleared," TPS spokesperson Laura Brabant said in an email to CBC News. "We are continuing to address the possible impact in Toronto."

In Ottawa, a spokeswoman from the Queensway Carleton Hospital said the police determined the situation was "low risk" but an extensive sweep had been carried out at the hospital and grounds.

The RCMP is now conducting a Canada-wide investigation through its Federal Policing National Security Program.

Jewish Leaders Condemn the Threats

Jewish leaders across Canada condemned the threats, calling them a "horrific act of antisemitism" and a "cowardly attempt to terrorize our communities."

"This is blatant antisemitism," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement on X. "I'm disgusted at reports that more than 100 Jewish institutions across Canada were targeted by threats today."

Rabbi Reuben Poupko of the Beth Israel Beth Aaron Congregation in Côte Saint-Luc, a city on the island of Montreal, said he woke up to the email Wednesday and quickly realized he was among more than 100 others to have received it. "The purpose of that email is really an assault on the psyche of a community. But if that was the intent, it certainly failed. I mean, every synagogue (in Montreal) was open," Poupko said. "Jewish life went on as normal — with heightened vigilance, yes, but we understand that the intent is to frighten and to sabotage normal life. And we won't allow that to happen."

B'nai Brith Canada said the emails sent at 5 a.m. threatened explosions, including at their offices in Toronto and Montreal. The organization condemned the threats as a "cowardly attempt to terrorize our communities."

"It’s incredibly disheartening and concerning for Jewish institutions across the country to wake up to a bomb threat saying an explosive device will be detonated at their institutions," said Richard Robertson, director of research and advocacy at B'nai Brith Canada.

The Impact of the Threats

The threats have caused widespread fear and anxiety within the Jewish community. Many Jewish institutions have increased security measures, and some have cancelled events.

The threats come at a time when antisemitism is on the rise in Canada. A recent survey by the Canadian Anti-Hate Network found that antisemitic incidents have increased by 32% in the past year.

The threats also come in the wake of the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. Some experts have suggested that the conflict may have contributed to an increase in antisemitism in Canada.

A Call for Action

Jewish leaders have called for swift and decisive action to address the rise of antisemitism in Canada. They have also called for increased support for Jewish institutions and organizations.

"It's time for us to come together and stand up against antisemitism," said Robertson. "We need to create a society where everyone feels safe and welcome."

The RCMP is investigating the threats as a hate crime.

Looking Ahead

The mass bomb threats sent to Jewish institutions across Canada are a reminder of the ongoing threat of antisemitism. It is a call to action for all Canadians to stand up against hate and bigotry. The Jewish community, and all Canadians, deserve to live in a society free from fear and discrimination.