Toronto, Canada - In Calgary, the most recent hate was in spray paint — a series of anti-Semitic slogans staining two synagogues and a fence near the Jewish Community Centre.
A Jewish security network might not eradicate all graffiti, but when your race is the target for such open hate, it’s easy to understand why Canada’s Jewish community is keen on extra protection.
“We’re aware in Canada there are organizations that don’t look at the Jewish community in the most positive light — we know they’re out there, but are they a threat? You never know.”
That’s the response of Judy Shapiro, associate executive director Calgary Jewish Federation, to a private Jewish security service to be deployed in major cities across Canada — including Calgary.
“The only way you know there’s a need is when something horrible happens,” said Shapiro.
Starting in Toronto, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs will recruit 25 men and women for training by a decorated ex-Israeli Defence Forces officer, whose speciality is counter-terrorism.
Named the Community Security Network (CSN), ex-soldier Doron Horowitz will then establish security teams in other Canadian cities, including Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Hamilton, Winnipeg, Regina, and Vancouver.
Horowitz, national security director for the Centre for Jewish & Israeli Affairs, says CSN will provide surveillance in the community, and at schools, synagogues and Jewish community events.
It sounds something like a private police force for Jewish Canadians, but images of thugs trained like commandos or soldiers are totally misconstrued, said Horowitz.
“We’re looking at a security model, to be an active partner in the community — this is not to create a vigilante force or to isolate ourselves from the rest of law enforcement,” said Horowitz.
“We are showing that the Jewish community is proactive, that it contributes to safety and security, and it does so in a responsible manner.”
The question of why is easy, at least for those targeted by anti-Jewish hate in Canada.
The B’nai Brith Canada’s annual Audit of Antisemitic Incidents shows a steady rise in anti-Jewish conflict in recent years, with 1,306 anti-Semitic cases reported in 2010.
An increase of 3.3% over 2009, the incidents reported to the B’nai Brith include 965 cases of harassment, 317 cases of vandalism and 24 cases of violence.
“The Jewish community traditionally and historically has always been under threat, sometimes small, sometimes large — anyone fuelled by hate, racism with a modus operandi of violence is a threat,” said Horowitz.
“We’re in an era where threats to the Jewish community could be seen as increasing, and it’s really about being proactive and responsible.”
But fighting back is not part of the CSN plan, or at least not physically, says Horowitz.
That means no uniforms, no weapons, and no to anyone looking to join up in hopes of flexing some muscle. Horowitz says he’ll ban anyone showing aggression or with an axe to grind.
Instead, the training will focus on prevention and observation, to help police in catching anyone posing a threat to the community.
A similar model used in Britain — there called the Community Security Trust — now has 3,000 volunteers and is considered a major force in quelling anti-Semitism in that country.
Counter-surveillance and security patrols will be cornerstones of Canada’s training, says the ex-soldier.
“We’re talking about volunteers and members of the community who will be trained in preventative measures — an enhanced neighbourhood watch is an analogy that I’ve used,” said Horowitz.
And so long as watching and assisting law enforcement is the mandate, officials with the Calgary Police Service say there’s no problem with the CSN plan to set up shop in this city.
“They’re fostering and creating awareness for their community, and we would encourage that for all our communities,” said Insp. Curtis Olson, of Community & Youth Services.
“It’s understanding what’s around you and knowing who to call — observe, call and report is the relationship we want to have as a police service with the community.”
Source: THE CALGARY SUN
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