Montreal Kosher Bakery Damaged in Suspected Arson Attack
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
A kosher bakery in Montreal, Mimimelon, was severely damaged in a suspected arson attack early Wednesday, the second such attempt in two days. Police are investigating the incident as a hate crime, with the hate crimes unit joining the probe. The bakery's co-owner revealed a prior antisemitic threat and recent vandalism in the area. The incident follows a pattern of increased antisemitic acts in Montreal since October 7.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Montreal police are investigating a suspected arson attack that caused severe damage to the kosher Mimimelon bakery.
- This is the second arson attempt at the bakery within two days, with a previous incident occurring late Tuesday night.
- The hate crimes unit has joined the investigation due to the bakery's ties to the Jewish community.
- The bakery's co-owner reported a specific antisemitic threat made against the establishment in September.
- The incident is part of a broader increase in antisemitic acts in Montreal since October 7.
A kosher bakery in Montreal, Canada, sustained significant damage from a fire that broke out early Wednesday morning, which authorities are investigating as a deliberate arson.
According to CTV News, this is the second incident targeting Mimimelon bakery in the Saint-Laurent borough within two days. Montreal police responded to a fire call around 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday, finding flames spreading inside the establishment. Police spokesperson Raphael Bergeron stated that objects found at the scene led investigators to suspect arson. He confirmed severe damage to the bakery and noted a previous arson attempt occurred the night before around 11:30 p.m.
The hate crimes unit has joined the investigation, as the bakery has ties to the Jewish community. Co-owner Geni Wolfson described the event as "terrible, devastating, hurtful," and expressed feelings of vulnerability and fear. She called the incident a "nightmare," noting that by the time she arrived, the bakery was engulfed in flames and firefighters battled the blaze for hours.
Wolfson mentioned that while the area is usually quiet, several businesses in the commercial complex have recently experienced vandalism, including graffiti and broken windows. She also revealed that in September, an explicit antisemitic threat was made against the bakery when an individual shouted "All Jews will burn" before fleeing.
Although the September incident was not reported to the police at the time, Wolfson has since provided the details to investigators. Police are reviewing security footage and gathering witness testimonies, appealing to the public for any information that could help identify those involved. The incident occurs amidst a rise in antisemitic incidents in Montreal following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. Previous incidents include the complete burning of a kosher restaurant, Noam, in August, and swastikas being spray-painted on another kosher restaurant in March.
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