Welcome to Beth Israel Congregation of Peterborough
and Jewish Community Centre of Peterborough
| Presidents Message |
On behalf of Beth Israel Congregation and the Jewish community of Peterborough, I want to express our deep concern and solidarity with the members of Sons of Jacob Synagogue and the entire Jewish community of Belleville following the horrific shooting outside their synagogue as they gathered to observe Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year.
A synagogue should be a place of prayer, community and peace. No one should have to enter a house of worship wondering whether they will be safe inside.
We are profoundly grateful to the police officer who was protecting the congregation and who was seriously injured in the course of doing so. Our thoughts are with the officer, their family and colleagues, and we wish them a full and speedy recovery. We are also grateful to all of the first responders whose actions helped protect those gathered inside the synagogue.
The circumstances and motivation behind this incident remain under investigation, and we will allow law enforcement to establish the facts. But what happened in Belleville is a stark reminder of the fear and security concerns Jewish communities are experiencing in Canada.
Jewish Canadians should not need police protection simply to gather for prayer, celebrate a holiday, educate our children or participate openly in Jewish communal life. Yet security has become an unfortunate reality for many of our congregations.
Here in Peterborough, we are grateful for the support of Chief Stuart Betts and the Peterborough Police Service, who have been in contact with us and have increased their presence around our synagogue. That relationship and their vigilance are deeply appreciated.
Our message today is also one of resolve. Violence and intimidation will not cause Jewish communities to retreat from our synagogues or from public life. We will continue to gather. We will continue to celebrate our traditions. We will continue to teach our children their heritage. And we will continue to be proud and visible members of the communities we call home.
Today, Beth Israel stands with Sons of Jacob Synagogue and the Jewish community of Belleville.
Gabriele Zeh-Abramsky
President
Beth Israel Congregation
Peterborough, Ontario
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Your membership dues or donation supports the programming, communications, beautiful space, religious leadership, holocaust- and antisemitism education, community outreach, and security that Beth Israel provides as an expression of our vibrant, growing unique regional Jewish community. Thank you for supporting this important work.
Parking Lot Access
Front parking lot operates on a card access system. Gate is open after 3:00 pm on weekdays, all day Saturday and Sunday. If you need access outside of these times, please email in advance to bethisrael@jccpeterborough.com
