Important message from Jewish Federation of Edmonton – Security incident on May 16

by Steve Shafir and Stacey Leavitt-Wright 

(Edmonton) – While it is not our practice to send out communications over Shabbat and Holidays, we said earlier that if any emergent concerns arise we would keep you informed.

On the evening of May 16 there were some incidents in the west end of Edmonton involving a vehicle driving through the neighborhood ‘seeking Jews,’ confronting people and making threats.

Edmonton Police Service and RCMP have been informed and are investigating.

We are working with the EPS and they have confirmed that there will be increased police presence in the area to continue to ensure our security and safety.  Additionally, the Jewish Federation has commissioned further security to patrol the area.

Incidents like this are occurring in many Canadian cities. We take this matter very seriously and are appreciative of the swift response of our law enforcement partners.

In the event of an emergency or if you are witnessing suspicious activity, please call 911. For all non-emergency reporting please email our Director of Security, Tal Toubiana, at talt@edjfed.org

We appreciate the restraint our community has shown over the past week.

We urge you not to engage should you encounter any similar situations.

Chag Sameach.

Steve Shafir is President of the Jewish Federation of Edmonton            

Stacey Leavitt-Wright is CEO of the Jewish Federation of Edmonton        

Tal Toubiana is Director of Security, Jewish Federation of Edmonton