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, a vibrant area with a significant Jewish community. Firefighters quickly responded and contained the fire, preventing it from spreading to nearby buildings, including a neighboring garage that sustained only minor damage.

Early police investigations indicated the fire was not accidental. Witnesses reported seeing a suspect fleeing the scene shortly after the fire started, prompting the Montreal police arson unit to take over the case. Security camera footage reviewed by the garage owner nearby reportedly shows a young man in his twenties intentionally setting the fire before escaping. Authorities are gathering evidence and reviewing surveillance videos from the area while also investigating whether the restaurant owners had received any prior threats.

No injuries have been reported, and no arrests have been made yet. The incident has sparked concern within Montreal’s Jewish community about a possible escalation in antisemitic attacks targeting Jewish-owned businesses. The restaurant, which opened in August 2024, had quickly become a popular culinary spot offering kosher Mediterranean, Italian, and international dishes.

Canadian political figures have condemned the attack. The federal Member of Parliament for Mount Royal, representing the Liberal Party, called for the incident to be treated as a hate crime and urged authorities to thoroughly investigate and prosecute those responsible. The police investigation is ongoing amid heightened fears of targeted violence against Jewish institutions in Canada.