Montreal Kosher Restaurant Torched; Critics Slam Government Indifference to Antisemitism

Canada's Minister of Public Safety, Gary Anandasangaree, expressed deep concern on Monday following a fire that destroyed the "Nöam" kosher restaurant in Montreal. The minister stated that the incident appears to be an act of arson targeting a site that serves as a hub for the city's Jewish community.

"I am very concerned by what appears to be an arson at Nöam, a local kosher restaurant that serves as a hub for the Jewish community in Montreal," he wrote on his X account. "Antisemitism has no place in our society, and we will continue to act to root it out wherever it appears."

The post received tens of thousands of views and numerous comments criticizing his statement as mere lip service, given the government's perceived leniency toward the rising tide of antisemitism in Canada.

Federal Member of Parliament Anthony Housefather, who represents the district where the restaurant is located, called for the arson to be investigated as a hate crime. He stated that if the Jewish business was targeted due to its identity, those responsible must face severe consequences.

The fire broke out around 3:15 AM on Saturday on Decarie Boulevard in the Côte-des-Neiges district. Dozens of firefighters worked for hours to bring the blaze under control, which caused heavy damage to the restaurant and an adjacent business. No casualties were reported.

According to the Montreal Police (SPVM), the investigation has been transferred to the arson unit. Investigators are reviewing security footage and examining all lines of inquiry, "including the possibility that it is a hate crime."

At this stage, no suspects have been arrested, and the motive has not been officially determined. Footage published by the organization Students Supporting Israel (SSI) shows a masked individual approaching the restaurant at night, pouring flammable material at the entrance, setting it on fire, and fleeing the scene. The video is currently being used as part of the ongoing police investigation.

The incident has shocked the Jewish community in Montreal. The restaurant was a central gathering place, and the fire occurred against the backdrop of a terrifying surge in antisemitism in Canada since October 7, 2023.

Just days ago, Israel national team striker Dor Turgeman was subjected to antisemitic chants during a match in Montreal. After scoring a goal, he silenced the crowd that was booing him, reportedly prompting chants of "death to Israel." In response, the opposing goalkeeper confronted and pushed him, receiving a yellow card, while some fans threw beer at him.

According to B'nai Brith data, antisemitic incidents in Canada have surged by approximately 124% over the last five years. In 2023, about 5,791 incidents were documented, compared to roughly 2,100 in 2018. Since October 7, there has been an additional 208% increase in reported incidents, including vandalism, threats, and attacks against Jewish institutions and individuals.

The organization notes that, on average, more than 15 antisemitic incidents are reported daily across the country. Jewish communities are increasingly reporting a sense of insecurity in public spaces, as well as in educational and religious institutions.