Six Toronto Jewish groups are getting federal cash to combat hate crimes, Public Safety Minister Vic Toews announced Monday.

Toews pledged almost $90,000 for the groups as part of the Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure pilot program. The program gives cash to not-for-profit community centres, provincially recognized schools and places of worship linked to communities with a history of being hit with hate crimes.

The cash, which is matched dollar-for-dollar by the qualifying organizations, goes towards security enhancements to help prevent hate crimes. Eligible costs include security assessments, equipment, minor construction and related training.

“The unfortunate reality is that Canada is not immune to those who target individuals or groups based on their race, culture, religion or identity,” Toews said inside Shaarei Shomayim Congregation.

He stressed that while hate crimes often are limited to property damage, they still cause profound damage to those targeted.

“Often hate-motivated crime can put an entire community into a state of fear and anxiety, this is unacceptable and that’s why we are here today,” he said.

Brian Lass, president of Shaarei Shomayim Congregation, said the synagogue has had several instances over the years of hate-filled graffiti being sprayed on the building and surrounding sidewalk.

The six Toronto groups receiving funds as part of Monday’s announcement include Shaarei Shomayim Congregation ($14,948), Beth Tzedec Congregation ($24,360), Chabad of Midtown ($21,771), Shomrai Shabbos-Chevrah Mishnayos Congregation ($11,618), Temple Sinai Congregation of Toronto ($9,325) and Associated Hebrew Schools Toronto-Posluns ($7,216).

The Canadian Jewish Congress and the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto applauded the grants.

“Schools, community centres and places of worship, the very sorts of places that are mentioned in today’s announcement, are the glue that holds communities together and are at the core of Canadian civil society,” CJC president Mark Freiman stated in a release. “It is sad that such places have from time to time become targets for violence. Attacks on such institutions are assaults on the communities themselves.”

David Spiro, chairman of UJA Federation’s committee on public affairs, stated Jewish community security is posing an increasing financial burden on the federation.

“Given global circumstances, we see this situation continuing,” Spiro said.

(Source: Toronto Sun)