Better safe than sorry, it seems.
Local police departments appear to be in a state of heightened awareness after ex-Hamas head Khaled Meshaal called for protests Oct. 13 across the Muslim world.
According to the CBC, Meshaal is urging support for Palestinians and encouraging the people of neighbouring countries to join the fight against Israel.
To be clear, there have been no specific threats directed toward sites in Barrie, Bradford and Innisfil. But in Barrie, officers are maintaining a "periodic presence" at two synagogues on Huronia Road and a mosque on Ferris Lane.
“We are there out of an abundance of caution," Barrie Police Chief Rich Johnston said in an emailed statement. "We seek to reassure our community with our presence and dissuade those who would cause fear."
And in Bradford and Innisfil, South Simcoe police have also stepped up patrols around "places of worship and cultural significance and will continue to liaise with our faith-based communities to provide reassurance and support," spokesperson Sue Sgambati said in a statement.
South Simcoe police "is aware of global online threats of violence regarding the situation in the Middle East," she added. "We want to assure the residents of Bradford and Innisfil that in collaboration with our law enforcement partners, we are closely monitoring the situation for any local impacts. (We have) zero tolerance for any form of hate, violence or threats of violence and will vigorously investigate all reports. Public safety remains our top priority. We encourage residents to contact police if you are a victim of a hate-motivated incident or witness."
Meanwhile, the OPP has released a statement trying to assure residents it is focused on public safety at this time, and asking them to call 911 if they're in a life-threatening emergency.
"While the OPP respects the right of everyone to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, everyone also has a right to a safe environment," the news release states. "All those involved in a demonstration have a responsibility to ensure the event remains lawful, peaceful and safe. The OPP understands that members within our communities are deeply affected by this ongoing conflict."
All this comes days after a major strike by Hamas militants on Israeli territory, which has in turn prompted a counter-attack by Israel. More than 2,000 people are reported to have died in the conflict, the CBC reports.
The RCMP has also warned anyone who feels threatened online or in person to contact their local police agency. Those in need of non-emergency assistance can reach out to South Simcoe officers at 705-436-2141 or 905-775-3311, Barrie police at 705-725-7025 or the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
