Members of Belleville, Ont., synagogue targeted by gunman call for more security funding

Ottawa — The vice-president of the Belleville synagogue, Shima Vigodda, addressed a news conference on Monday, emphasizing the need for extensive security measures following the September shooting. Vigodda expressed that prior to the incident, the synagogue's security focus had been on addressing minor concerns such as damaged windows and installing burglar alarms.

He clarified that an existing federal program designed to assist places of worship with security upgrades was sufficient for these relatively minor improvements.

The tragedy now underscores the necessity for more substantial security enhancements, which the federal program does not fully address. Vigodda highlighted a range of costly measures deemed essential for ensuring synagogue safety. These include installing bullet-resistant glass, replacing both inner and outer doors, constructing a secure room, erecting fencing to impede potential attackers, and employing security personnel or armed police personnel on-site.

Vigodda underscored that these advanced security measures are not just about physical protection; they serve a dual purpose of deterring individuals from committing acts of violence in the first place.