Arson Destroys Kosher Restaurant in Montreal Amid Rising Antisemitism Concerns

On August 3, 2026, the kosher restaurant Nöam in Montreal was severely damaged by a fire suspected to be arson. The blaze broke out around 3:15 a.m. at the restaurant located on Decarie Boulevard in the Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood. Firefighters battled the fire for hours, preventing casualties but causing extensive damage to the restaurant and a nearby business. Montreal police have transferred the investigation to the arson unit, considering the possibility of a hate crime, though no suspects have been arrested and the motive remains unconfirmed.

Security footage released by the Students Supporting Israel organization shows a masked individual pouring an accelerant at the restaurant entrance before igniting the fire and fleeing. The incident has deeply shaken Montreal's Jewish community, as Nöam is a central gathering place for local Jews. Canadian Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree condemned the act on social media, calling antisemitism unacceptable and pledging to eradicate it. However, his comments faced criticism as insufficient amid what many see as a lenient government stance on rising antisemitism.

Federal MP Anthony Housefather, representing the area, urged authorities to treat the arson as a hate crime and to hold perpetrators accountable if the attack targeted the business for its Jewish identity. The fire comes amid a disturbing surge in antisemitic incidents across Canada, which have increased by 124% over five years. In 2023 alone, nearly 5,800 antisemitic events were recorded, with a 208% rise since October 7, 2023, including vandalism, threats, and assaults on Jewish institutions and individuals. Jewish communities report growing insecurity in public spaces, schools, and religious sites, as well as informal gathering places like Nöam.

The arson follows recent antisemitic incidents in Montreal, including abuse directed at Israeli basketball player Dor Turgeman during a game. Authorities continue to investigate the fire, collecting surveillance footage and exploring all leads to determine the cause and bring those responsible to justice.