According to a Jan 19 news release, the province has initiated its Security Enhancement Fund, which allows eligible groups and organizations to apply for funding in support of developing enhanced security measures — alarm systems, surveillance cameras, lighting, controlled access systems and safety training, for example.
The fund will also help recipients develop “community-driven security plans.”
The fund will aid organizations vulnerable to “acts of hate, targeted intimidation and vandalism,” states the release.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said hate “has no place in Manitoba.”
“Acts of hatred and intimidation do more than damage property, they threaten the sense of safety and security every person deserves,” said Kinew in a statement. “When people commit a hate crime, they’re committing a crime against all of us as Manitobans. Today we’re standing up and saying that everyone is welcome in Manitoba, and everyone deserves to feel safe.”
Justice Minister Matt Wiebe spoke of the recent rise in hate crimes.
“Antisemitism, Islamophobia and other forms of hate are on the rise across Canada,” said Wiebe. “The announcement today is an important message to communities being targeted by hate crimes that Manitobans stand with them, and that there are ways that we can work together to make this province a safer, more inclusive place for everyone.”
Canada — along with the U.S. and other parts of the world — saw a spike in hate crimes against Jews and Palestinians after the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
On Oct. 7, 2023, members of Hamas, a militant Palestinian group, launched a savage ground attack against Israelis near the Gaza Strip. Israel quickly retaliated, and the two sides have been locked in deadly conflict since.
Just months ago, the two sides came to a ceasefire agreement, but that has not ended the violence entirely.
And Manitoba has not been left immune to the conflict’s fallout — particularly in its capital.
In the early morning hours of Jan. 2, a man allegedly vandalized Winnipeg’s Shaarey Zedek synagogue by painting Nazi swastikas on the building, which reportedly also houses a childcare centre.
Around that time, similar damage was caused to the Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq mosque.
On Jan. 8, Winnipeg police arrested and charged a 34-year-old man in relation to the incidents.
Similar damage was also reportedly done to a local high school and a Palestinian restaurant.
Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs Manitoba/Saskatchewan vice-president Gustavo Zentner expressed thanks for the new fund.
“All Manitobans should be concerned about the serious security threats from rising hate and extremism,” said Zentner. “Governments at all levels also have a role to play, and their leadership is essential to ensure communities are protected without bearing this burden alone. That’s why we welcome Manitoba’s investment today and stress that more must be done to confront the sources of hate. Decisive action is required to send a clear message that hate will not be tolerated.”
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