Wave of attacks on Jewish sites sparks international alarm

Jewish communities around the world are on high alert following a wave of violent attacks on Jewish sites in the past week. On Thursday, a man rammed a vehicle into a synagogue in Michigan and opened fire. The following day, an explosion damaged a Jewish school in Amsterdam, in what authorities say was a deliberate attack targeting the Jewish community. 

Across the United States and the United Kingdom, Jewish individuals have also been subjected to harassment and physical violence, while several terror plots on Jewish sites have been foiled globally. The onslaught of antisemitic attacks comes as the Islamic Republic of Iran is attempting an international terror campaign in response to US and Israeli strikes on the regime. Here’s everything you need to know.

Three synagogues in the Toronto area, Canada, were targeted by gunfire within about one week in early March 2026. The first shooting occurred on March 2, when gunshots were fired at Temple Emanu-El in North York shortly after a Purim celebration. The attack damaged windows but no one was injured. 

About five days later, during the night of March 6-7, two additional synagogues in the Toronto area – Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto and Shaarei Shomayim – were also struck by gunfire within roughly 20 to 30 minutes of each other. These incidents also caused property damage but no injuries. 

The three attacks have alarmed Canada’s Jewish community and prompted police investigations into possible antisemitic motives. Community leaders and officials have called for stronger security measures and government action to protect Jewish institutions.