An incendiary device was thrown at the Beth Tikvah synagogue in Montreal early Wednesday morning in what Canadian authorities suspect is an antisemitic hate crime.
Firefighting teams responded to the scene at 3 a.m. to extinguish the flames. The synagogue’s window and door were shattered in the blaze.
Witnesses reported seeing at least one individual near the site before the fire began. Beth Tikvah, located near Montreal’s Jewish Federation building, also houses a school, making it a central hub for the local Jewish community.
Rabbi Saul Emanuel, executive director of the Montreal Jewish Community Council, expressed outrage over the attack on the location, the second in just over a year.
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“This second attack on the same location is deeply disturbing and a stark reminder of the persistence of anti-Semitic hatred,” Rabbi Emanuel said. "This is not an isolated incident - it is a repeated assault on a cornerstone of our community that serves as a hub for education, faith, and social services. Such acts of violence cannot be ignored or minimized."
Rabbi Emanuel called on law enforcement to intensify their efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible and urged government officials to take stronger action against hate crimes. He emphasized the need for enhanced security measures at Jewish institutions.
"These repeated attacks are meant to instill fear, but our community remains resolute. We will not be intimidated," Rabbi Emanuel affirmed. "At the same time, this is a wake-up call for all Quebecers: we must unite against hatred in all its forms and work together to protect the values of respect and inclusion that define our society."
The Montreal Jewish Community Council announced plans to work closely with law enforcement, community leaders and government officials to address the recurring violence and bolster the safety of Jewish institutions in the region.