Winnipeg synagogues received bomb threats: Jewish Federation

Winnipeg synagogues were among the Jewish organizations across the country that received bomb threats Wednesday morning.

The Winnipeg Jewish Federation told CTV News it is aware of some bomb threats received in the community. While the federation itself did not receive any threats, it confirmed some synagogues received emailed threats on Wednesday.

"We've asked all of our Jewish institutions to be aware of their circumstances and their situations and be cautious," said Jeff Lieberman, the federations' CEO. "But you know, we believe that there really isn't any threat."

In Ontario and Quebec, more than 100 Jewish institutions received an identical email early Monday threatening explosions including at their offices, according to B'nai Brith Canada.

READ MORE: Multiple Jewish organizations, hospitals across Canada receive identical bomb threats

The Winnipeg Police Service told CTV News it has received a report of this nature.

The public information office confirmed major crimes and the bomb unit will be following up.

Rena Secter Elbaze, executive director of Shaarey Zedek, said they were among the synagogues in Winnipeg that received the threat. They called their maintenance team to sweep the building for potential threats, and activated its security protocol.

"We always are very aware for people leaving unattended bags, the same way they do at airports, so we have our eyes open," she said. "We also know who comes into our building, so our doors are always locked. People have to buzz in, and we have to know who's coming here."

Secter Elbaze said she believed the letter was meant to cause disruption and chaos rather than an actual threat, but she wasn't taking any chances.

"We take these things seriously, and we want the community to know that we are taking the necessary precautions. We have the proper security infrastructures in place to keep people safe."

Lieberman said vocal anti-Semitism has been rising in Canada in the wake of the October attack by Hamas on Israel.

"I really think that the silent majority support Israel, support Jewish Canadians," he said.

"I think that there's a real minority that are vocal and others that try to cause harm and panic by sending out emails like this today."

Despite the threats, Secter Elbaze said her congregation will continue to operate.

"They don't want us to have business as usual, they would like us to cancel programs and activities, and we're not going to do it," she said. "We're going to continue to thrive as a community and to run programs and prayer services, and we have a lot of different organizations from the interfaith community who we partner with, who support us."