As tensions escalate between Israel and Iran, Montreal police have increased surveillance efforts around places of worship, including mosques and synagogues, to ensure the safety of local religious communities.
Law enforcement officials are maintaining a visible presence during key hours — mornings and evenings at synagogues during services, and during Friday and daily prayers at mosques.
“We’ve seen patrol cars stationed outside our schools and synagogues throughout the weekend and even this morning,” said Yair Szlak, President and CEO of Federation CJA. “The SPVM has been consistently cooperative and present in our neighborhoods.”
Samer Majzoub, President of the Canadian Muslim Forum, also acknowledged the increased police visibility.
“There are large gatherings during Friday prayers, sometimes in the thousands,” Majzoub explained. “The police are there to increase patrols, not to turn these spaces into guarded compounds. No one is asking for that.”
The increased security measures follow recent developments in the Middle East, where Israeli airstrikes targeted locations in Tehran, reportedly killing senior Iranian military officials and damaging sensitive infrastructure. In retaliation, Iran launched a barrage of drones and missiles, raising global concerns of a broader regional conflict.
READ MORE: Islamic Emirate Condemns Israeli Strikes on Iran as “Unjustified and Illegitimate”
Though there have been no specific threats to Montreal’s Jewish or Muslim communities directly tied to the conflict, both communities remain on alert.
“We’re monitoring our institutions closely,” Szlak said. “Canadian Jews are not responsible for the decisions made by the Israeli government. We may agree or disagree with those actions, but unfortunately, many of us are being unfairly held accountable.”
The SPVM (Service de police de la Ville de Montréal) confirmed that it is working closely with religious and community leaders to identify sites that may be at higher risk. Patrols have been adjusted in real-time based on developments abroad and local needs.
“Police station heads have pinpointed relevant locations for increased visibility,” said an SPVM spokesperson. “Our operations are responsive and continually adapted. We maintain ongoing contact with community representatives.”
Concerns remain high following a June 10 incident in which the Canadian Institute of Islamic Civilization mosque in downtown Montreal was vandalized with anti-Palestinian graffiti, including profanity and political messages.
“Beyond the rise in tension, our biggest fear is potential physical aggression,” Majzoub emphasized. “We’ve witnessed such acts before — in Quebec, in Ontario — so it’s not beyond imagination.”
Szlak recounted a troubling pattern of threats targeting the Jewish community since the October 7, 2023 outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
“Jewish schools have been shot at during the night, synagogues attacked, and even our Federation’s West Island building was firebombed,” Szlak revealed. “There’s been harassment and intimidation. That’s why the police presence is so crucial.”
From October 7, 2023, to June 11, 2025, the SPVM recorded 86 reported hate incidents against Montreal’s Arab-Muslim community and 273 against the Jewish community.
“We are seeing an unfortunate increase in Islamophobia, antisemitism, and general hate,” said Majzoub. “It affects everyone, not just one group. Our collective role is to keep communities calm and prevent hate-driven reactions.”
Both Szlak and Majzoub underscored the need for unity, vigilance, and public awareness without fueling panic.
“This is not a call for fear,” Majzoub concluded. “It’s a call for calm. Communities must stand together to reject hate and avoid any actions that could escalate tensions.”