Mayor Leal calls for solidarity after shooting at Belleville synagogue
Peterborough’s mayor has publicly condemned a shooting at a Belleville synagogue that occurred as worshippers gathered to observe Yom Kippur, and urged residents to show support for Jewish communities both locally and across Canada.
In a statement issued on behalf of the City of Peterborough, Mayor Jeff Leal described the incident as “deeply saddened and concerned” and called it “especially disturbing” because it happened during the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. He emphasised that people must be able to practise their faith safely and that “antisemitism, hate and violence have no place in our communities.”
“Peterborough stands with the Jewish community in Belleville and here at home,” the mayor said, while also thanking police and first responders for their actions.
Belleville Police reported that an officer and another person were injured during an encounter near Bleecker and Victoria avenues on September 20. Both were taken to hospital, and authorities notified Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU). Police have not released further details about the circumstances of the encounter.
Local impact and municipal response
While the shooting took place in Belleville, Mayor Leal acknowledged that the event would reverberate among Jewish residents in Peterborough and elsewhere. He urged citizens to show “friendship, empathy and kindness” to Jewish friends, relatives and neighbours, and expressed concern for the injured Belleville officer and support for their family and loved ones.
His comments reinforce a municipal expectation that civic leaders and community members be vigilant in protecting places of worship and in countering hate. The message also reflects an understanding that incidents in one community can increase fear and unease in neighbouring cities, particularly among minority and faith communities.
- Mayor Leal condemned the shooting and called for solidarity with Jewish communities.
- Belleville Police say an officer and another person were injured; both were hospitalised.
- The SIU was notified and police have not released additional details about the encounter.
What residents should know
The facts publicly available remain limited. The SIU’s involvement indicates an independent oversight process will review police conduct where an officer has been injured. Until that review and further police communications are completed, many questions about motive, the sequence of events and the condition of those injured remain unanswered.
| Detail | Known information |
|---|---|
| Location of incident | Bleecker and Victoria avenues, Belleville |
| Date | September 20 |
| People injured | An officer and another individual; both taken to hospital |
| Oversight | Ontario's Special Investigations Unit notified |
For people in Peterborough, municipal and community leaders often encourage practical steps to support neighbours and faith communities in moments of alarm. These include staying informed through official city and police channels, offering neighbourly support to people who may feel threatened or anxious, and participating in community vigils or interfaith events when they are organised.
Community safety and the long view
Mayor Leal’s statement thanked police and first responders for their actions and asked residents to respond to the incident with compassion rather than fear. The mayor’s message follows a familiar pattern for civic leaders when high-profile violence occurs nearby: condemn the act, express solidarity with those affected, and remind residents of the need for community cohesion.
As details continue to emerge from Belleville authorities and the SIU, residents of Peterborough will be watching for updates and for any local measures the city or community organisations may take to support neighbours and faith groups. In the meantime, the mayor’s call for kindness, empathy and vigilance frames the immediate municipal response to an event that has unsettled communities across eastern Ontario.
