We Win Because We Have No Other Choice | CAEF Bulletin – September 25, 2026
Massacre Narrowly Averted at Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville ON by Hero Constables
On Sunday evening, September 20, 2026 (around 7:10 p.m.), Constables Jeffrey Smith and Mike McCurdy of the Belleville Police Service in Belleville Ontario, narrowly averted a massacre of two dozen congregants at the Sons of Jacob Synagogue gathered for Kol Nidre Yom Kippur services, by engaging in a gun battle with the lone assailant. Constable Smith was severely injured with multiple gunshot wounds and head trauma.
A 29-year-old man from nearby Quinte West, identified as Sean Ward, arrived in a truck armed with a shotgun and opened fire on Belleville Police Service Constable Jeffrey Smith, who was stationed outside the synagogue in an unmarked patrol car for routine protective presence, as requested by the congregation. Constable Smith, a 13-year veteran of the BPS and a member of the BPS emergency response unit, was injured by the gunfire from Ward while still in his patrol vehicle. He nonetheless exited the car and immediately returned fire. Shortly thereafter, Constable McCurdy arrived on the scene and joined in returning fire. The assailant Sean Ward died of gunshot wounds in Kingston General Hospital the following day. An estimated 20–30 shots were exchanged. Bullets struck and damaged the synagogue’s stained-glass windows, nearby homes, and vehicles. Due to the heroism of Constables Smith and McCurdy, no one inside the synagogue was injured. The remaining Yom Kippur services at the synagogue were cancelled due to the necessary crime scene investigation.
Constable Smith remains in serious but stable condition in the intensive care unit at Kingston General Hospital, facing a significant recovery.
Constable Smith’s wife Ashley released the following message to the public, reproduced in full.
"Hello, world. I don't know where to begin. My words aren't strong or steady yet, but I knew I needed to find them. I needed to use my voice for my dear Jeff, until he is able to use his. From the deepest part of my heart and soul, thank you. Thank you to this good and kind world that has surrounded Jeff and our family with more love, compassion, generosity and selflessness than I could ever put into words. I cannot begin to express what the outpouring of love and support has meant to us. I know there are things happening every day that I don't even know about yet. Messages being sent. Prayers being said. People checking in. Hands reaching out. And I know that my gratitude will never be enough. I am witnessing real-life miracles. And so many of them have happened through human hands. The life-saving hands of paramedics and police. The hands of an angel neurosurgeon. The steady, capable hands of trauma teams, doctors, nurses, RTs, PSWs and so many others whose names we may never know, but whose kindness and skill we will carry with us forever. The helping hands of neighbours, friends, community members and volunteers. And then there are the hands that held me and my sweet girls when we were living through the scariest and darkest day of our lives. Today, I held Jeff's hand. And I thought about all of those hands. All of the people who have carried him, cared for him, prayed for him, fought for him and held us up when we didn't know how we were going to stand. I will never forget any of it. I also want to send my love and prayers to the Jewish community, and to every scared soul who was there on Sunday night. Please know that your love, your prayers and your support have reached us. We are deeply grateful. We love you, we see you, we pray for you. So I am asking for one thing. Keep it coming. Prayer. Hope. Faith. Love. Whatever you have to give, please keep giving it. We will take every bit of it we can get. Jeff has a very long, difficult road ahead. But he is not walking it alone. He has an army of love behind him. And I know Jeff. He is the best man I know. He loves his family with his whole heart. He cares deeply. He gives freely. He shows up. He is a man of integrity. He is my safest place. And right now, he is fighting. So we will fight with him. Thank you for loving him. Thank you for believing in him. Thank you for honouring him. Thank you for holding our family up. Our hero. Your hero. With heartfelt gratitude, Ashley"
Synagogue president Norm Weddum and others have credited Constable Smith with preventing a far worse outcome, stating that his presence and actions saved the lives of those inside (one congregant described it as potentially a “massacre” if the gunman had entered). Premier Doug Ford called the officer a hero who “stopped a tragedy in its footsteps.” Other leaders, including the prime minister, condemned the incident and affirmed the right of the Jewish community to worship safely.
Belleville Police Service leadership Chief Murray Rodd and Deputy Chief Sheri Meeks have spoken publicly and praised the constables’ response.
Canadian Federal Honours for Civilian Valour, Courage and Bravery: CAEF President Michael Teper has nominated Constables Smith and McCurdy for the Canadian honours for valour, courage and bravery. By remaining in harm’s way, and incurring severe injury and great personal risk to save the lives of those whom they had sworn to protect, Constables Smith and McCurdy saved many lives and upheld the highest standards of courage that are the pride of Canadian police services. Their heroic actions on September 20 reflect great credit on themselves, the Belleville Police Service, and on every police constable in Canada.
If you wish to nominate Constables Smith and McCurdy in your own words, please complete the nomination form. You may use the phone number and address of the Belleville Police Service (459 Sidney Street, Belleville ON K8P 3Z9 info@bellevilleps.ca 613-966-0882) when completing the form.
Ontario Medal for Police Bravery: This is the province’s highest honour for police officers for acts of extraordinary courage. Nominations must come through the officer’s police service and be endorsed by the Chief of Police (the public can recommend by contacting the Chief’s office; the service then submits via the provincial portal). The incident falls within the typical eligibility window.
Contact for the Chief’s office: Belleville Police Service, 459 Sidney St., Belleville, ON K8P 3Z9; non-emergency/admin 613-966-0882; general email info@bellevilleps.ca
GoFundMe for Constable Smith: over $630,000 has been raised through a GoFundMe campaign for Constable Smith and his family. See here.
GoFundMe for the Sons of Jacob Synagogue: Over $37,000 has been raised through a GoFundMe campaign for the repairs and security enhancements to the Sons of Jacob Synagogue. See here.
CAEF does not provide warranties or assurances regarding the disposition of funds raised through these campaigns.
Crime and Legal Update
1. RCMP in Quebec Lay Terrorism and Weapons Charges in Alleged Chemical Weapons Plot
On September 24, 2026, the Montreal QC branch of the RCMP announced terrorism and weapons charges against Louay Agould, 24, of Quebec City QC. Agould is accused of conspiring with ISIS terrorists abroad to deploy a chemical weapon to poison Canadians. CAEF will continue to follow and report on the case.
2. Durham Regional Police Charge Alexander PARFITT with Hate Motivated Threats
On September 19, 2026, Durham Regional Police in Ontario announced the arrest of Alexander PARFITT on charges of Uttering Threats Motivated by Hate, in connections with threats Parfitt is alleged to have made on social media to commit a shooting at a synagogue in Durham Region.
3. Alexander Dean Mullen of Uxbridge ON Reported to Durham Regional Police for Hate Motivated Threats
Based on information received from the social media account @l3v1at4an CAEF President Michael Teper filed a report with the Toronto Police Service about hate motivated threats, incitement and counselling assault, allegedly uttered by Alexander Dean Mullen. The case has been transferred to Durham Regional Police for investigation.
4. Arthur Colin ROBERTS to be Sentenced for Mischief to Religious Property in BC Provincial Court
Arthur Colin ROBERTS is scheduled to receive his sentencing judgment on Monday September 28, at the BC Provincial Court sitting at Victoria BC. Upon being found guilty Roberts expressed remorse and described what he had written as “absolutely horrible, disgusting text”. The Crown is requesting a sentence of six months imprisonment.
Public Safety Canada – Progress Report on National Commitments to Combat Antisemitism
On September 24, 2026, Public Safety Canada issued its first Progress Report on the federal government’s commitments to combat antisemitism.
The language in the report is significant in that it now refers to anti-Zionism as a contemporaneous manifestation of antisemitism. This is, to our knowledge, the first time in Canadian history that antizionism has been so characterized in an official Government of Canada publication.
The report also contains a robust reinforcement of Canada’s commitment to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance Working Definition of Antisemitism and a repetition of the continuing validity of the Canadian Handbook on the IHRA Working Definition as an authoritative interpretation guide.
While the report presents significant progress in training police forces in Saskatchewan and Ontario, there appears to be zero activity in Quebec.
The Progress Report also describes some of the leading criminal prosecutions relating to antisemitism. CAEF was involved in all but one of the cases (R. v. Paulin). Again, these prosecutions are exclusively in Ontario. The Progress Report mysteriously ignores Quebec.
Canada has Chosen Punitive Measures Against Israel
Read campaign from CIJA and sign the petition.
Earlier this month, Canada joined the UK and France in announcing plans to “ban the importation of goods from settlements and enforce targeted measures against settlements and those who facilitate them or profit from them.”
Prime Minister Carney will now join his British and French counterparts in co-chairing a meeting at the UN General Assembly to advance their efforts and “pursue peace.”
The UN has a longstanding double standard toward Israel.
The United Nations has repeatedly subjected Israel to a level of scrutiny and condemnation not applied consistently to other countries.
According to UN Watch, between 2015 and 2024, the UN General Assembly adopted 173 resolutions against Israel — more than twice the 80 adopted against all other countries combined, including serious human rights offenders such as North Korea, Myanmar and Russia.
Canada takes a different approach with other countries.
Prime Minister Carney has said that “lecturing countries from afar is an ineffective strategy,” and his government has pursued engagement with countries including Qatar, China, and Turkey despite profound disagreements and serious human rights concerns.
The double standard has consequences here at home.
Jewish Canadians are experiencing unprecedented levels of antisemitism while synagogues and other Jewish institutions require extraordinary security simply to gather.
At the same time, our own security officials are warning that hostility toward Israel is being weaponized against Canadians.
Brigette Gabriel posted this message on X
Canadian taxpayers just got billed $100M for “Palestine.” Gaza is run by Hamas. That’s who the cheque actually funds. They call it aid. It’s actually a down payment on the World’s future demise.
CAEF has signed the One Global Initiative to Stop the Genocide Lie
CAEF Asks Where Stands Canada on the Durban Lies?
Below is the press release issued by the NGO Committee to End Antisemitism and Promote Peace, noting that the world’s democracies should both condemn the original conference and refrain from attending the upcoming 25th anniversary of the notorious World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance which generated the global campaign against Israel and the Jewish people under the distinct lie that Zionism is Racism. CAEF endorses this statement and sends an urgent message to the Government of Canada to act accordingly. Note the UK position below.
NGO Committee to End Anti-Semitism and Promote Peace Responds to Events Celebrating the Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of the UN Durban Conference and its Antisemitic Legacy
September 22, 2026 New York, New York – Twenty-five years ago, the United Nations-sponsored World Conference against Racism met in Durban, South Africa. Intended to unite countries in the fight against racism, the conference quickly devolved into a forum to vilify and isolate Israel, Jews and Zionists. The hatred and antisemitism on display have had long-reaching effects, contributing to the tsunami of global antisemitism of recent years.
In response to efforts at the 2026 UN General Assembly to commemorate the anniversary, the UN-affiliated NGO Committee to End Anti-Semitism and Promote Peace (EASAPP) and its member organizations, including Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, the International Council of Jewish Women (ICJW); Jewish Women International (JWI); and the Women’s League for Conservative Judaism (WLCJ), issued the following statement:
“The UN-affiliated NGO Committee to End Anti-Semitism and Promote Peace (EASAPP) and our member organizations work to fight antisemitism at the United Nations and around the world. Twenty-five years later, the hateful, antisemitic legacy of the Durban Conference is not something the United Nations or any nation should celebrate. We urge foreign leaders to stand against all forms of antisemitism and decline to participate in or legitimize the commemoration of the Durban Conference scheduled for September 28th during the General Assembly meetings.”
“We welcome meaningful dialogue and strategies to combat racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia. Twenty-five years ago, the Durban Conference, meant to be an opportunity to address racism, became a platform for hatred, where antisemitic materials were prevalent and Jewish organizations and individuals were harassed and intimidated. It is something we should all recall with horror and repugnance, not commemoration and celebration. In an era in which antisemitism and violence against Jews continue to rise around the world, with dire effects on individuals and communities, we should be working instead to promote understanding and peace.”
“We call on global and UN leaders to condemn the antisemitism that permeated the Durban Conference a quarter of a century ago and oppose ongoing efforts at the UN and elsewhere to isolate and demonize Israel and the Jewish people.”
Increased Demand for Accountability from Colleges and Universities
The Ontario Strengthening Accountability and Student Supports Act, 2024 received Royal Assent on May 16, 2024. This legislation amended the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Act (the “Act”) with new requirements for Ontario’s publicly assisted colleges and universities to have policies and rules that describe how each institution will address and combat racism and hate, including but not limited to anti-Indigenous racism, anti-Black racism, antisemitism and Islamophobia.
The Act requires each institution to publish its policies and rules on its website and make a copy available to anyone who requests it. The institution must review its policies and rules at least once every 5 years and amend them as appropriate. Each institution must provide its Board of Governors with an annual report on the implementation and effectiveness of its anti-racism/anti-hate policies and rules in the preceding year.
Dozens of Canadian universities students arrived on Parliament Hill this week to highlight the antisemitism and harassment they are facing on campuses across the country and to demand action.
Outlaw Pay For Slay Programs
Secure Canada along with Macdonald Laurier Institute held a roundtable in Ottawa this week to advance the campaign to introduce federal legislation which would criminalize “pay-for-slay” structured payment programs that compensate individuals and their beneficiaries who commit or attempt to commit acts of terrorism.
Read more from the Macdonald Laurier Institute
Learn more about the Secure Canada pay-for-slay legislative initiative
Recommended Viewing
Watch Matthew Taub speak out about vandalism of Jewish dorms at Wilfred Laurier University and how a rabbi and donor responded.
Watch Alan Dershowitz explain why he feels it is 1932 in Berlin again.
New ISGAP Report Examines Systemic Islamist Influence in Canadian Civil Society and Higher Education
Major study maps the institutional embedding of Muslim Brotherhood-aligned networks across federal institutions, electoral politics, civil society, and universities
Read the report, Assault on Democratic Values and Principles: How Islamist Entryism Weakens Civil Society and Higher Education in Canada
Executive Summary
Using the framework developed in ISGAP’s groundbreaking study The Muslim Brotherhood’s Strategic Entryism into the United States: A Systemic Analysis,1 the present report demonstrates that Muslim Brotherhood–aligned networks in Canada should be understood not as isolated organizations or disparate episodes but as part of a structured transnational strategy of ideological entrenchment, institutional embedding, narrative control, and political and legal protection. The Canadian case is examined as a domestic expression of a wider transnational model.
Four key findings emerge:
The first concerns the ideological and strategic foundations of the model.
The second concerns entryism within federal government institutions and the electoral mobilization of Muslim voters as a coordinated political bloc.
The third concerns Canadian civil society and the operating environment.
The fourth concerns higher education as a central operational domain.
Recommended Reading
Read article by Majid Rafizadeh in Gatestone Institute about how Trump and Netanyahu are fighting to preserve Western civilization, not just defeat Iran and its proxies, September 19, 2026.
Read article by Bart Schute in Jerusalem Post on the pro-Israel Christian rally in Amsterdam, September 18, 2026.
Read Valerie Locke for Israel365News on rigged UN report
Read story by Avi Abelow in Israpundit about how Jews are attacked in the Galilee and Arab attacks are not reported or condemned by the Western press, September 19, 2026.
Read about the ongoing march of the Muslim Brotherhood
Read Nahum Kaplan in his Substack, Moral Clarity, on the psychology of anti-Israel Jews, September 18, 2026.
Read article by Robyn Urback on the antizionist messaging from NDP leader, Avi Lewis, in the Globe and Mail, September 23, 2026.
Advocacy and Action
Read Letter from CAEF to Robert Kraft commending him for refusing access to Macklemore in his stadium, on the basis that the singer used this platform to push a pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel propaganda campaign, September 18, 2026.
Read Letter from Larry Shapiro, Calgary to Editor LA Times in response to claim by Lorraine Ali that people are trying to silence Macklemore and the film, Naza, both of which promote Jew hatred with lies, September 19, 2026.
Read Letter from Larry Shapiro, Calgary to Michael Smerconish at CNN for lying about Israel committing a genocide and promoting Jew hatred, September 19, 2026.
Read Letter from Richard Sherman, Florida to Editor, NY Times re Ed Sheeran's zionophobia, noting Dolly Parton's wisdom, September 20, 2026.
Read Letter from CAEF to Chief Murray Rodd, Belleville Police Service, requesting that his office nominate Constable Jeff Smith for the Ontario Medal for Police Bravery, September 22, 2026.
Read Letter from CAEF to Minister Anand and Prime Minister Carney on Canada’s response to terrorism against Israelis, September 25, 2026.
Community Events
Black & Jewish Relations: Separating Perception from Reality
Scholars Circle, a program of Chai Mitzvah, presents a virtual lecture by Joshua Washington, Executive Director of the Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel (IBSI), on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, 7:00–8:00 p.m. ET, live on Zoom. This lecture explores the history and contemporary dynamics of Black-Jewish relations, examining where common perceptions align with—and differ from—historical and lived realities. Guest moderator Dr. Lewis Gordon, Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at the University of Connecticut, will facilitate the Q&A following the lecture.
October 7: An Evening of Remembrance and Reflection
Tafsik and the Toronto Zionist Council present a special sneak preview screening of Where Do We Belong (a film by producer Igal Hecht, director Dotan Nave), on Wednesday, October 7, at the Toronto Zionist Council, 788 Marlee Avenue, Toronto, ON M6B 3K1. Tickets $18. Doors open 6:30 p.m., film begins 7:30 p.m. Supported by CAEF, Tafsik, TZC and ICARE.
Special Screening: Search Out the Land
Toronto Zionist Council presents a special screening of Search Out the Land, a Historical Film Studios production, on October 14, 2026, at Cineplex Empress Walkway, 5095 Yonge Street, Toronto. Doors open 6:15 p.m., film starts 7:00 p.m. All proceeds go to businesses and synagogues affected by antisemitic violence.
Antizionism is Antisemitism: Name It To Combat It
Zionism Unfiltered and the Hamilton Jewish Federation present a Speaker Series talk by Andria Spindel, Executive Director, CAEF, Antizionism is Antisemitism: Name It To Combat It, on October 14, 2026, 7–9 p.m. Attend in person or virtually; the location will be provided after registration.
CAEF Advocate Award of Excellence Honouring Dr. Brian Crowley — Tuesday, October 27
You are warmly invited to an evening to honour Brian Lee Crowley, a distinguished thought leader whose work has brought a focus on the critical issues of antisemitism, the Middle East, radical Islam and more to the heart of Canada's national conversation.
Brian Crowley founded the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies (AIMS), and the Macdonald Laurier Institute (MLI).
MLI is the premier Canadian public policy think tank, addressing a wide array of national issues and, through the Promised Land Project, the related issues of Middle East conflict, antisemitism and the dangers of radical Islam. Crowley initiated the Promised Land Project on the premise that Canada is a land that has held out the promise of freedom and security to millions around the world and should be held to account for its failure to live up to this promise to its Jewish citizens.
MLI is also the only Canadian think tank with an office in Washington, the Center for North American Prosperity and Security (CNAPS).
Brian Crowley is author of six books, notably Gardeners vs Designers and Fearful Symmetry, and numerous op-eds and research papers. He holds degrees from McGill and the London School of Economics, including a doctorate in political economy.
When Shanghai Said Yes – A Global Jewish-Chinese Virtual Experience
Continuing the Chinese-Jewish Exchange, CAEF and partners are pleased to present an opportunity for learning and sharing. Register to join the webinar and participate in small group discussions after the formal presentations. Sunday, November 8, 2026, 10:00–11:15 a.m. EST, on Zoom.
We invite you to read recent articles by Annette Poizner, one of the speakers: The Etrog's Chinese Secret; A Sweet (and Sour) New Year: Where Jewish and Chinese Wisdom Meet; China and the Jews: Two Ancient Civilizations, One Unlikely Friendship.
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