Montreal police open hate crime investigation into suspected arson at kosher restaurant

Montreal police are investigating a suspected arson attack on the kosher restaurant Nöam as a hate crime. The fire broke out around 3:15 am on Saturday, causing major damage to the restaurant and the adjacent business. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree expressed concern, and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre called for action against hate crimes. The incident follows a series of antisemitic attacks in Canada.

Montreal police are investigating a suspected arson attack on the kosher restaurant Nöam as a hate crime. The fire was reported at around 3:15 am on Saturday, and firefighters spent several hours bringing it under control. Both the restaurant and the adjacent business sustained major damage. The SPVM's arson squad is handling the case. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said he was "extremely concerned" and condemned antisemitism. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre wrote that "another day, another attack against Canada's Jewish people" and called for real action. B'nai Brith Canada noted the incident occurs against a backdrop of a "much broader failure" to protect Jewish communities. The attack follows a spate of antisemitic incidents in Canada, including attacks on kosher bakeries in Toronto and abuse against a Jewish family in Montreal.