Calgary's Hanukkah Under Watch: Local Police Step Up Patrols After Global Tragedy
The Scene: A Shadow from Afar
Our city, usually buzzing with the festive start of Hanukkah, finds itself in a moment of solemn reflection this December 14th. News has reached us of a horrific terrorist attack in Sydney, Australia, where a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach became a scene of unimaginable tragedy. At least 11 innocent people were killed, with over 29 others, including two police officers, injured when multiple gunmen opened fire. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has unequivocally condemned the event as an act of antisemitic terrorism, a stark reminder of the global challenges we face, even here in our quiet corner of Alberta.
What's Changing on Our Streets?
In response to this devastating news, the Calgary Police Service (CPS) swiftly announced increased patrols around local synagogues and various Hanukkah events across the city. This isn't just a Calgary thing; police forces in Toronto, Vancouver, and other Canadian municipalities have taken similar proactive security measures, showing a unified front in ensuring the safety of our Jewish communities during this sacred time. For Calgarians, this means you'll likely see a more visible police presence, a tangible reassurance as families gather to light the menorah and celebrate the Festival of Lights. These decisions for increased police presence at sensitive locations fall squarely within the CPS's operational mandate, guided by public safety assessments and responses to significant external events, as per the Alberta Police Act.
The Neighborhood Vibe: Safety, Spending, and Our Priorities
While the immediate focus is on community safety, these increased patrols inevitably spark conversations about resources. For the everyday Calgarian, enhanced security comes with a cost. Remember 2023, when the CPS spent a staggering $22.1 million on overtime and call-outs – almost double its budgeted amount of $11.4 million? A significant portion of that overspend was attributed to “increased officer presence at places of religious worship, schools and other sensitive locations due to the Israel-Hamas war.” This past year has seen our officers stretched thin, and this latest global tragedy adds further demand. Critics, like The Progress Report, have long argued that "budgets are moral documents," suggesting that Calgary's prioritizing of policing, which consumes the largest single line item in the city's budget, often comes at the expense of other vital services that "actually improve the lives of citizens." It's a debate that highlights the tightrope our city walks: ensuring safety in a volatile world while managing taxpayer dollars effectively.
Looking Ahead: Unity and Vigilance in The Bow City
As Calgary's Jewish community observes Hanukkah, they do so with the added comfort of heightened vigilance from the CPS. For all Calgarians, this moment is a powerful reminder of our interconnectedness and the importance of supporting one another, especially when hate tries to cast a shadow. The increased patrols are a necessary step to protect our neighbours, ensuring that celebrations in Ward 11 and beyond can proceed with a sense of security, even as the conversation around how we fund these critical services continues to evolve.
