 A security vehicle and ambulance pass by planes outside of Toronto's Pearson International Airport. (JACK BOLAND/QMI Agency)
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TORONTO - Terrorists have spared Canada from a major attack because they see the country as a place to raise money and a safe haven for their families, says a top Israeli anti-terror cop.
"Terror groups don't want to cause a problem here," Yoav Lorbert, security manager for El Al Israel Airlines, said. "These groups attack for a reason and Canada is not an attractive target."
Lorbert said cell members send their families to live or attend school in Canada and don't want to cause problems.
"Canada is not involved in any (volatile) political situations abroad," he said at an International Airport Investigators' Training Symposium, which wrapped up in Toronto last week.
Lorbert was head of El Al security when the airline was targeted several times, including a 2002 ticket counter attack at Los Angeles Airport which left two people dead and three others wounded. Airline personnel killed the gunman.
He was present during a 1985 attack in Rome when terrorists threw grenades and opened fire at an El Al counter killing 17 people an wounding more than 100.
Lorbert said all ground workers entering El Al aircraft must show identification and be accompanied by security officials.
tom.godfrey@sunmedia.ca
