Calgary Steps Up Patrols as Hanukkah Celebrations Face Global Shadows
The Scene
The news out of Sydney this past Sunday, December 14th, hit Calgarians hard. A horrific mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach left at least 15 people dead, including a child, and many more injured. Australian authorities wasted no time, declaring it an antisemitic terrorist attack, carried out by a father and son. When tragedy strikes so far away, it’s easy to feel helpless, but here in Calgary, our Police Service is making sure the ripples of that violence don't reach our doorstep.
What's Changing
Immediately, the Calgary Police Service (CPS) confirmed they're stepping up patrols around synagogues and active Hanukkah events across our city. With Hanukkah having just begun at sundown on Sunday, December 14th, and continuing until nightfall on Monday, December 22nd, this isn't just a precaution – it's a visible commitment to the safety of our neighbours. This includes heightened security at the official menorah lighting ceremony, ensuring that celebrations can proceed with a much-needed sense of security. The CPS has also been in direct contact with Calgary's Jewish community, offering support and reassurance, a crucial step in times of heightened concern. For any Calgarian attending these events or living in these neighbourhoods, this means seeing more of our dedicated officers, a reassuring presence amidst global unease.
The Neighborhood Vibe
But what does this increased presence really mean for the average Calgarian, beyond the immediate visible patrols? It means our police service is stretched, working diligently to keep us safe, but also operating under significant financial pressures. We've seen this before: remember how the CPS explicitly attributed a portion of their 2023 $10.7 million overtime overspend to "increased officer presence at places of religious worship, schools and other sensitive locations due to the Israel-Hamas war"? This isn't a new challenge. John Orr, President of the Calgary Police Association, has voiced "grave concerns" about an "already insufficient number of officers on the front line," pointing to budgetary shortfalls and the unfortunate reliance on ticket revenue to fund essential services. While the City of Calgary's 2025 budget includes a welcome $10.5 million investment to expand police services and emergency response, current events, like the situation unfolding across the globe, continue to demand immediate, costly responses. This pressure on our frontline means that while patrols are increased in one area, resources might be strained elsewhere, potentially impacting response times for other calls right here in Ward 11 or along Deerfoot.
Looking Ahead
In a city as diverse and welcoming as Calgary, the safety of all communities is paramount. The CPS's swift action to increase patrols and connect with the Jewish community underscores their commitment to public safety during what is a challenging time for many. As Hanukkah continues, Calgarians can expect to see this enhanced police presence, a tangible reminder that even as global events cast a shadow, our local authorities are actively working to protect our peace and ensure our ability to celebrate safely. It’s a delicate balance, keeping our city secure while managing the resources to do so, and one that affects every single one of us.
