Prince George Mayor Simon Yu has made a statement in support of Jewish Canadians, amid the escalating war between Israel and Hamas, denouncing online threats made to members of the Jewish community.
“Prince George is a city of prosperity, peace and progress, not hate. This week we heard and saw record of countless tragic terrorist attacks indiscriminately targeted at Israeli civilians. Our city is horrified,” said Yu.
“As Mayor, I denounce and condemn the acts of the terrorism by Hamas, a group which the Government of Canada has rightly identified as a terrorist organization. I unequivocally denounce and condemn murder, kidnapping and rape of innocent Israeli civilians.”
He said anyone who feels threatened online or by other means should contact the RCMP.
A pro-Israel gathering organized by members of the local Jewish community was held Tuesday at city hall.
“As I said at the vigil in front of Prince George City Hall..., we mourn the victims and all people impacted by these horrific and ongoing acts of terrorism,” said Yu.
The RCMP has said it's aware of social media posts threatening the Jewish community in Canada, calling it a time for "increased vigilance."
The RCMP's statement comes as several Canadian polices forces, including in Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver, say they have upped patrols in response to the Israel-Hamas war but have not identified any specific local threats.
The Canadian Press said a spokesperson for the Mounties declined to answer further questions about the social media threats, including whether the force was investigating.
- with files from the Canadian Press
