London’s Jewish community is responding after a shooting outside a Belleville, Ont. synagogue over the weekend “We are horrified,” said Dean Lavi with the London Jewish Federation. “We are grief stricken, and we are just thankful no one was killed.” Sean Ward, a 29-year-old former Canadian armed forces member, allegedly opened fire on a police officer Sunday night. Ward has since died. “Our officers are out there every day putting their lives on the line to make the community feel safe,” said David Pratt with London Police Service. Constable Jeff Smith with Belleville Police Service was shot at multiple times and remains in hospital. “It is only because of heroes like him that we have not seen massive fatalities happen here in Canada,” said Lavi. Police said the incident took place as congregants prepared to mark Yom Kippur. “Yom Kippur is a fast day, a 24 hour fast,” said Lavi. “Observant Jews will go to synagogue and aim to make new promises and turn a new leaf.” London police have increased visible police patrols at places of worship and community locations across our city. “We work closely with our community,” said Pratt. “We pay attention to any attention that may come across and we respond accordingly.” Pratt said everyone should be able to gather and worship without fear. “It’s really sad that this is where we are in 2026,” said Lavi. “This is not just a potential threat that could potentially happen, this is the reality that we are living within Canada today.” Members of London’s Jewish community say the incident is part of a larger concern that antisemitism is on the rise. “It’s happening in a small town that is a fraction of the size of London which is a massive escalation,” said Lavi. “A really worrying escalation in the violence that we’ve seen.” He said the message is clear. “The Jews are becoming threats,” said Lavi. “How did we get here?” Police have not yet commented on the motive behind the shooting.
