Six Toronto Jewish groups are getting federal cash to combat hate crimes, Public Safety Minister Vic Toews announced Monday.

Toews pledged almost $90,000 for the groups as part of the Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure pilot program. The program gives cash to not-for-profit community centres, provincially recognized schools and places of worship linked to communities with a history of being hit with hate crimes.

The cash, which is matched dollar-for-dollar by the qualifying organizations, goes towards security enhancements to help prevent hate crimes. Eligible costs include security assessments, equipment, minor construction and related training.

�The unfortunate reality is that Canada is not immune to those who target individuals or groups based on their race, culture, religion or identity,� Toews said inside Shaarei Shomayim Congregation.

He stressed that while hate crimes often are limited to property damage, they still cause profound damage to those targeted.

�Often hate-motivated crime can put an entire community into a state of fear and anxiety, this is unacceptable and that�s why we are here today,� he said.

Brian Lass, president of Shaarei Shomayim Congregation, said the synagogue has had several instances over the years of hate-filled graffiti being sprayed on the building and surrounding sidewalk.

The six Toronto groups receiving funds as part of Monday�s announcement include Shaarei Shomayim Congregation ($14,948), Beth Tzedec Congregation ($24,360), Chabad of Midtown ($21,771), Shomrai Shabbos-Chevrah Mishnayos Congregation ($11,618), Temple Sinai Congregation of Toronto ($9,325) and Associated Hebrew Schools Toronto-Posluns ($7,216).

The Canadian Jewish Congress and the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto applauded the grants.

�Schools, community centres and places of worship, the very sorts of places that are mentioned in today�s announcement, are the glue that holds communities together and are at the core of Canadian civil society,� CJC president Mark Freiman stated in a release. �It is sad that such places have from time to time become targets for violence. Attacks on such institutions are assaults on the communities themselves.�

David Spiro, chairman of UJA Federation�s committee on public affairs, stated Jewish community security is posing an increasing financial burden on the federation.

�Given global circumstances, we see this situation continuing,� Spiro said.

(Source: Toronto Sun)