The North Bay Police say they are keeping a close eye on two places of worship in the city due to the Israel-Hamas conflict going on in the Middle East.
David Woolley, Corporate Communications with the North Bay Police Service, admits the police are keeping an eye on both the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in downtown North Bay and the North Bay Mosque located off McPhail Street due to acts of vandalism on mosques and synagogues in other parts of Canada since the start of the conflict.
"The North Bay Police Service is aware of recent incidents across the country in which members of Canada’s Jewish community have been targeted in the wake of the ongoing violence in Israel and the Gaza strip," said Woolley about the North Bay's Jewish community.
"Our officers are also aware of heightened online rhetoric and violent incidents globally that have targeted Muslims in the wake of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas," said Woolley in an email to BayToday.
"The North Bay Police Service will always stand against hate and bias-motivated crimes, which target individuals based on their ethnic heritage, religion, race, sexual orientation, ability, or any other factor. Our officers will be conducting enhanced patrols around North Bay’s mosque to ensure the safety of its members.
"Our officers will also be conducting enhanced patrols around North Bay’s synagogue to ensure the safety of its members."
