Statement from Mayor David West

The rise in antisemitic hate and violence in our communities across Ontario and Canada is completely unacceptable and strongly condemned.

Although we cannot control global events, we can and will continue to focus on the safety and wellbeing of all Richmond Hill residents. These are responsibilities on which City Council stands united, and we will do everything in our power at the municipal level to ensure the safety and protection of our Jewish residents, their places of worship, schools, and community locations. I have had, and will continue to have, regular briefings from York Regional Police (YRP) to receive pertinent updates and critical information with respect to their ongoing effortsto ensure the safety and security of all our residents.

As we go about our daily lives in Richmond Hill, you will notice an increased local police presence here as well as across the region, specifically near faith-based institutions, community centres, schools and other public gathering places where people may be at risk. This includes the deployment of a mobile command post instrategic locations. On behalf of Council and all our residents, I extend my heartfelt thanks to YRP for all they are doing to help ensure the safety and security of our city and residents.

In February of 2024, this Council unanimously passed a motion urging that a Second National Summit to Combat Antisemitism be convened. Regrettably, to date, this has not occurred. As a result, on April 1st, the first possible opportunity we have at Council following March Break, we will be tabling a new motion calling on the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, and York Region to establish a Federal, Provincial, Regional, and Municipal law enforcement joint task force to coordinate intelligence, prevention, and enforcement efforts to combat and prevent antisemitic hate and violence, ensuring the rightful protection of all vulnerable communities.

Similar motions are being tabled across York Region, and I encourage all municipalities to join us so we can act in a unified manner, sending the strongest and clearest message that all levels of government must create beneficial solutions to the growing crisis of antisemitic acts of hate and violence across our province and country.

I am happy to see the recent Federal investment announcement of $10M from the Canada Community Security Program (CCSP). This is a positive step towards increasing the security of gathering spaces, such as synagogues and schools. Residents deserve safety in their day-to-day lives and when gathering to express their faith.

Together with Councillor Karen Cilevitz, I’ve had and will continue to have, discussions with Jewish community leaders, listening to their input as we look to future potential actions to combat this unacceptable rise in antisemitism.

As Mayor of Richmond Hill, I want to emphasize that your City Council condemns any and all acts of antisemitism which cause emotional or physical harm to our Jewish friends, neighbours, colleagues, and community. The alarming rise in the rate of violence and hateful acts towards our Jewish community is not acceptable and we will do everything in our capacity to ensure Richmond Hill residents feel safe in their community.

I urge government leaders to work collaboratively across parties and levels of government for a unified, cohesive action plan. Finally, and importantly, I urge our community to treat each other with the highest level of acceptance and respect. During these difficult times, I would ask everyone to show compassion to their fellow Richmond Hill neighbours and share the goodwill that I have consistently seen and come to expect in Richmond Hill.

Sincerely,

Mayor David West
City of Richmond Hill