Synagogue Targeted by Violence on Yom Kippur 

IFCJ Canada  |  September 24, 2026

Jews across the world celebrated Yom Kippur this past Sunday — the Holiest day on the Jewish calendar. While many gathered in their synagogues to observe this sacred day, a gunman opened fire at the Sons of Jacob synagogue in Belleville, Ontario. The Toronto Sun reports: 

On Sunday night, with Yom Kippur being celebrated as the holiest and most solemn day of the year in Judaism — the Day of Atonement — shots rang out at Sons of Jacob synagogue in Belleville around 7 p.m. One Belleville police officer was hit and was later rushed to a hospital. 

While at least two dozen members of the Jewish community gathered for services, shots were heard and went “for at least two to three minutes,” one member of the congregation told the Toronto Sun. Dozens of shots were fired and were coming in through the window. 

The National Post informs that Constable Smith who was onsite at the time of the attack,  was struck but remains in stable condition. The shooter was later pronounced deceased from gunshot wounds sustained as authorities worked to bring the incident under control. 

We are praying for the Belleville community, the Sons of Jacob Synagogue community, Constable Smith, and everyone impacted by this tragic incident.