Montreal Kosher Restaurant Destroyed in Suspected Hate Crime Arson Attack

A popular kosher restaurant in Montreal was completely destroyed by a severe fire on Saturday night, raising strong suspicions of deliberate arson. The blaze broke out around 3:15 a.m. on Decarie Boulevard in the Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood, an area known for its vibrant Jewish community. Firefighters contained the flames after a prolonged battle, but the damage to the restaurant was total, with only minor damage to a nearby garage.

Police investigations quickly shifted to a criminal probe after witnesses reported seeing a suspect fleeing the scene shortly after the fire started. Surveillance footage reviewed by the garage owner showed a young man in his twenties intentionally setting the fire before escaping. Authorities are examining whether the restaurant owners had received prior threats and are reviewing security camera footage from surrounding businesses.

No injuries have been reported, and no arrests have been made yet. The Montreal arson investigation unit is leading the case amid growing concerns of escalating anti-Semitic attacks targeting Jewish-owned businesses in the area. The restaurant, which opened in August 2024, had quickly become a beloved culinary spot offering kosher Mediterranean, Italian, and international dishes.

The incident has sparked strong condemnation from Canadian political figures, including the federal MP for Mount Royal, who called for the attack to be treated as a hate crime and for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. The local Jewish community remains deeply worried about the implications of this attack and the potential rise in targeted violence against Jewish institutions in Canada. The police investigation is ongoing.