Municipality of Port Hope and Port Hope Police Service Stands in Solidarity Following Incident in Belleville
The Municipality of Port Hope and the Port Hope Police Service are united in reaffirming their commitment to addressing hate-motivated crime and ensuring that all members of the community feel safe, respected, and protected.
On September 22, 2026, the Mayor of Port Hope wrote to Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis to express the Municipality’s solidarity with the City of Belleville and its Jewish community.
“No one should have to fear for their safety because of their faith, identity or decision to gather in worship. Port Hope stands firmly with Belleville’s Jewish community and with Jewish communities across Ontario. Antisemitism, hate, intimidation and violence have no place in our community, our province or our country.”
— Mayor Olena Hankivsky
The Port Hope Police Service is taking a collaborative and coordinated approach with the Municipality of Port Hope and police services across the province to address incidents of hate and support the safety and well-being of all residents.
The Port Hope Police Service currently has a Detective Constable specifically trained in hate-motivated crime, who also liaises provincially with other police services. This specialized knowledge and collaboration helps ensure that the Service remains informed about emerging issues, investigative practices, and effective approaches to combating hate-motivated incidents.
As part of the Service’s ongoing commitment to education and professional development, Chief Farquharson is attending a specialized course through the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center at the Holocaust Museum in Los Angeles. The course focuses on antisemitism, hate crime and practical tools to support a zero-tolerance approach to hate-motivated crime.
The Port Hope Police Service also remains committed to supporting neighbouring police services when operational resources are required. Most recently, Port Hope Police were on operational standby in support of policing operations associated with events that occurred in Belleville at the Sons of Jacob Synagogue.
Police services across Ontario continue to work together to present a united front in combating hate-motivated crime. Collaboration between police services strengthens our collective ability to respond effectively, share information and support communities when incidents occur.
“Our response must be united, coordinated and sustained. The Port Hope Police Service, the Municipality, other police services and community partners all have a role in preventing hate, supporting those targeted by it, and ensuring that every person can live, gather and worship safely and with dignity.” — Tim Farquharson, Chief of Police
The Port Hope Police Service will continue working alongside the Municipality of Port Hope to develop and maintain a coordinated community approach to safety. This includes supporting education, awareness, prevention and effective policing responses to hate-motivated incidents. The Municipality and Police Service will identify opportunities to apply relevant learning from Chief Farquharson’s specialized training in future awareness, prevention and community-safety efforts.
Mayor Olena Hankivsky
Municipality of Port Hope
Author: Pete Fisher
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