Dear Bernard Betel Centre Community,
We are all shocked and devastated by the increasingly horrific developments in Israel and Gaza. Our hearts are shattered as we continue to watch the news and see our community in Israel in the midst of war. None of us understand the magnitude of this devastation or know what may come next. We all have family, friends, colleagues in Israel living with the immediacy of this horror and uncertainty.
The Bernard Betel Centre sends our thoughts and prayers to our brothers and sisters in Israel and all innocent victims of violence. During these critical times we must support each other and our communities. We will be sharing information as it comes available where members of our community can seek individual support during these difficult times.
Now more than ever, it is critical that we come together as a community and publicly display our love and support. We hope you will join the Bernard Betel Centre and other Jewish and non-Jewish organizations and residents tonight, Monday, October 9 at 7:00 pm in Mel Lastman Square, for the UJA’s rally in support of Israel.
With Israel at war, our community will undoubtedly be confronted with many challenges and more sad and horrifying news. We extend our condolences and deepest sympathies to the families of those killed in these unprovoked attacks on civilians and hope for a speedy recovery to those wounded and injured. The entire Betel community prays for the safe release of the hundreds of hostages taken by Hamas.
We know that there are many in the community who are expressing concern regarding the physical security of our community and for our staff, volunteers and members at the Bernard Betel Centre. UJA Community Security has consistently and from the earliest hours of this conflict been in ongoing coordination with law enforcement to monitor the local security landscape. They indicate there is no specific threat to our community locally. Police have been especially helpful in adding additional patrols around our communal institutions including the Bernard Betel Centre.
Effective Tuesday October 10, at 7:00 am all doors to the Centre will be locked. There will be only one access to the Bernard Betel Centre for staff, volunteers and members. Please access entrance through the back parking lot doors. The outside door will be locked and you will only gain access by one of our staff and or management team. Throughout the coming days there maybe a further need to update our security measures. All Meals on Wheels drivers will pick up their meals in their usual place and will be allowed access if necessary by knocking on the front patio door.
This is a time that we all need to exercise vigilance and additional awareness. If you see something, please say something. In an emergency, please call 911. When safe, please call UJA Community Security 24/7 hotline at 416-635-5600.
Respectfully,
B’shalom
Gail Gould
Executive Director
