The Canadian Office and Professionals Union expresses our solidarity with the Jewish community in Belleville, Ontario, and with the Jewish community across our country and within our membership.
This community is still reeling and searching for answers after a shocking shooting outside a synagogue that occurred on September 20 while the community was observing Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of fasting and prayer.
The hate that fueled this event has no place in any of our communities. This event reminds us we must continue to be vigilant in the fight against anti-Semitism, Holocaust denial, racial discrimination, and other attempts by hate-motivated groups that attack efforts to make our communities more diverse and inclusive.
We are thankful beyond words for the efforts of Constables Jeff Smith and Mike McCurdy in preventing what could have been a tragedy on a massive scale, and we wish Constable Smith a full and speedy recovery ahead.
We encourage all our members who have been affected by this terrible event to connect with union representatives to learn more about the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) available through their employer or other supports available.
In solidarity,
Annette Toth
President