$680K raised for hero Belleville cop who prevented a Jewish massacre

The GoFundMe campaign supported by the Canadian Jewish community for Belleville, Ont. police officer, Const. Jeff Smith has exceeded its initial goal of $18,000, raising more than $686,568 as of midday Friday.

Const. Smith prevented a mass shooting when he defended against multiple gunshots fired outside Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ont., by shooter Sean Ward, 29, on Sunday night. Const. Smith sustained multiple gunshots wounds to his head and body. He was shot before he exited his vehicle, Belleville Police Chief Murray Rodd said in a press conference on Thursday afternoon.

“Jeff has a very long, difficult road ahead,” Smith’s wife Ashley Smith said on Tuesday in a Facebook post as she shared a photo of her holding her husband’s hand. “But he is not walking it alone,” she added, expressing her gratitude for the outpouring of support.

The shooting described as a hate-motivated crime by Police Chief Rodd occurred as a Yom Kippur service was being attended by roughly 25 congregants and Const. Smith was stationed outside the synagogue for security reasons.

The 29-year-old gunman opened fire after shouting “you are going to die for the Jews,” as seen during a video the police played during the Thursday conference. Police Chief Rodd added that the attack was an “exclusive threat to our Jewish community.” Const. Michael McCurdy, A second police officer assisting Const. Smith, was not harmed.

As for the success of the GoFundMe campaign, campaign organizer Derek Kreindler said in an online post, “I am astounded at the donations that have poured in, and never imagined we would raise over $500,000. My hope is that we are able to reach $1,000,000 by the time Constable Smith has been discharged from hospital.”

Former Bay of Quinte MP Ryan Williams took to social media to recognize the courage showed by Const. Smith for putting “himself in harm’s way protecting the community.” He also commended Const. Mike McCurdy for his part in rushing to assist Smith.

“Think about that for a second. Running toward gunfire while everyone else is trying to get away,” Williams wrote on Facebook. “We’ve spent the last few days talking about tragedy, fear and hate. We should also take a moment to recognize extraordinary courage when we see it,” he wrote.

“Some donors have asked about the second officer that assisted Constable Smith before more backup arrived,” wrote GoFundMe organizer Kreindler. “Constable McCurdy faced the same danger as Constable Smith while protecting the synagogue and those gathered inside, and assisting his fellow officer. We are deeply relieved that he is safe, and grateful to learn that he was physically unharmed.”

Meanwhile, Sons of Jacob have also launched a fundraiser to help rebuild the damage sustained by gunfire and aims to raise $90,000.