Kosher Restaurant in Montreal Destroyed by Suspected Arson Hate Crime

Montreal police are investigating a fire that destroyed a kosher restaurant named Noam during the early hours of Saturday. The blaze, which started around 3:16 a.m. on Dekari Boulevard between Plamondon and Vezina streets, completely consumed the two-story commercial building housing the restaurant. Nearly 80 fire trucks responded to the scene, and no injuries were reported. Authorities found evidence suggesting the fire was deliberately set, prompting a criminal investigation to determine the motive. A man was seen leaving the scene as the fire began, according to police statements to local media.

Anthony Housefather, the Member of Parliament representing the area, condemned the incident on social media, calling for the fire to be investigated as a hate crime. He described the suspected arson as "absolutely disgusting" and emphasized the need to prosecute those responsible to the fullest extent of the law. The restaurant had been operating for two years before the incident. The investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.