Belleville officer released from hospital after synagogue shooting
Jeff Smith is recovering at home after being struck in the head and body by gunman Sean Ward on September 20.
By Allison Rojas ·
Ninety-sixty-nine thousand one hundred and ten Canadian dollars have been raised to support a police officer who was critically wounded while protecting a synagogue. The Belleville Police Service announced Thursday that Officer Jeff Smith has been discharged from the hospital. He is continuing his recovery at home more than one month after the attack.
Smith was guarding B’nai Jacob synagogue on September 20 when worshippers gathered for services on the eve of Yom Kippur. The gunman, Sean Ward, who was 29 years old, opened fire on Smith and struck him in the head and body. Despite his injuries, Smith continued returning fire for nearly three minutes. Officer Michael McCurdy arrived on the scene and joined the exchange of gunfire. The two officers prevented Ward from entering the building. No worshippers were injured. Ward was wounded during the shooting and died the following day.
The Belleville Police Service stated that Smith and his family are grateful for the support they have received from the community. A fundraising campaign launched by Derek Kreindler on behalf of the Canadian Jewish community raised the nearly $700,000 total through more than 8,300 donations as of Friday morning. The funds are intended to recognize Smith’s actions and support him and his family during rehabilitation.
McCurdy, who arrived under fire and was not physically injured, has also received financial support. A separate campaign led by Deborah Vogel raised approximately C$58,400. Organizers noted that while McCurdy escaped physical harm, the psychological toll of the event requires attention.
In a separate incident, police are investigating suspected gunfire at a synagogue in the Montreal suburb of Westmount. Officers found holes in several windows at Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom on Friday. Rabbi Lisa Grushcow told the National Post that the synagogue’s executive director noticed the damage upon arriving for a meeting. The damage appeared to be caused by air gun pellets. Nothing penetrated the building, and no one was injured.
Police opened an investigation into the Westmount incident, but the motive remains unclear. Grushcow said the synagogue was deliberately targeted. She noted that the building has been the site of other incidents in the last two years, including a swastika spray-painted on the walls in February 2025 and an arson attempt in June. Westmount Mayor Michael Stern confirmed that police were investigating and that worshippers faced no danger. The congregation said Shabbat services would proceed as scheduled.
The investigation into the Westmount shooting is ongoing. Police have not identified a suspect. The Belleville Police Service confirmed Smith is making progress in his recovery.
