Photo by Emily Chatwood / MBC News
Local leaders are expressing support for Belleville’s Jewish community following a shooting outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue.
Prince Edward County Mayor Steve Ferguson said he was shocked and saddened by the incident, which happened on the eve of Yom Kippur.
Ferguson said the community’s thoughts are with members of Belleville’s Jewish community and Belleville police Const. Jeff Smith and his family as he recovers.
He said people have the right to gather and practise their religion safely, adding that violence has no place in society.
Hastings-Lennox & Addington-Tyendinaga MP Shelby Kramp-Neuman also expressed concern about the reported shooting.
Kramp-Neuman noted that Yom Kippur is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar and a time when many Jewish Canadians gather with their communities.
She said she had contacted government officials for more information and expressed support for the congregation, their families and others affected.
