Police officers walk in front of the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ont., on Sept. 21, 2026. The Canadian Press/Ian MacAlpine
The Belleville Police Service said it is investigating anti-Semitic flyers that were distributed in the city less than two weeks after a gunman was killed and a police officer injured outside a local synagogue.
The police said in an Oct. 1 press release that the flyers had been distributed in the city’s east end, where the Sons of Jacob synagogue is located. The police said they are “actively investigating” and asked anyone with information or video evidence to contact them.
“We recognize that incidents such as this can cause concern within our community,” police said. “Hate has no place in Belleville, and the Belleville Police Service remains in contact with community leaders and are taking proactive steps to support the safety and well-being of residents.”
The police added that there will continue to be increased patrols throughout the city, “including around places of worship and other community gathering spaces.”
While the police statement did not contain details of the flyers, a photo of the flyers posted to a
local Facebook groupand on X showed that they attempted to link COVID-19, mass immigration, and abortion to Jews.
On Sept. 20, a man opened fire outside the Sons of Jacob synagogue while congregants were celebrating Yom Kippur. Police officials said that Sean Ward opened fire on Const. Jeff Smith, who was hit in his head and body before exiting his vehicle and engaging in a firefight.
Smith and another officer who arrived a few minutes later, Const. Michael McCurdy, were able to strike the 29 year-old shooter, who later died in the hospital. Smith remains in the hospital.
The Canadian Armed Forces has confirmed that Ward was a former soldier who was discharged in 2022 with the rank of corporal. A video of the shooting played at a police press conference
on Sept. 24contained audio of Ward yelling “you are going to die for the Jews” before firing at Smith.
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GoFundMefundraising campaign launched to support Smith has raised nearly $900,000 out of its goal of $1 million.
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