Montreal Synagogue Targeted in Arson Attack Amid Rising Concerns

[Social Media]

 

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, a suspected arson attack struck Congregation Beth Tikvah in Montreal, marking the second time the synagogue has been targeted in just over a year. Emergency responders, including police and firefighters, arrived at the scene around 3 a.m. to combat the flames inside the synagogue.  

 

Investigators discovered that the synagogue's front window had been smashed and an incendiary device placed inside. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and no arrests have been made. Despite the damage, the congregation’s rabbi ensured that the morning prayers continued.  

 

“We were able to recite the morning prayers in an abbreviated way,” Rabbi Mordecai Zeitz, the synagogue's emeritus rabbi, shared with the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. “We did not close, even if we had to go outside to avoid the fires on the inside. But we had the fires of Jewish identity and Jewish pride very much front and center, in front of the charred doors of the synagogue.”  

 

Authorities have not yet classified the incident as a hate crime, but the attack comes amid rising concerns within the Jewish community. Just hours after the firebombing, another Jewish organization—the Federation CJA office—reported similar vandalism, with a window smashed in a comparable fashion.  

 

This recent attack echoes an incident from November 2023, when Beth Tikvah and the Federation CJA office were similarly targeted. That attack came weeks after the Hamas assault on Israel on October 7, a time when tensions and antisemitic incidents were notably heightened. In the previous case, an arsonist damaged Beth Tikvah’s front door, and the Federation CJA office also suffered vandalism. No arrests have been made in either case.  

 

In response to Wednesday’s attack, Congregation Beth Tikvah issued a statement emphasizing the growing dangers faced by Montreal’s Jewish community. “This is a terrifying reminder that Montreal is increasingly unsafe for Jewish people,” the statement read. It further criticized leadership at various levels for failing to hold accountable those perpetuating hate and violence in Canadian society.  

 

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the attack, describing it as antisemitic. “This vile antisemitic attack against Montreal’s Jewish community is cowardly and criminal,” Trudeau stated on social media platform X.  

 

Israel’s President Isaac Herzog also weighed in, urging Canadian authorities to take a firm stand. “Act decisively, and show that such hatred will not be tolerated,” Herzog appealed.  

 

As the investigation continues, the attacks serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Jewish communities in Montreal and beyond. The call for decisive action from leaders grows louder, as incidents of hate and violence threaten to undermine community safety and unity.  

 

Based on a report by NYP 2024-12-20

 

 

 

[koolkarl]

Another result of letting in throngs of this certain group and it will likely get much worse.  Prior and current immigration minister have no idea what they are doing and have no experience in immigration, just a friend of the PM.  Entire political process is at fault.  I wouldn't hire a high school drama teacher to build my house...

[JonnyF]

5 hours ago, Social Media said:

Authorities have not yet classified the incident as a hate crime

 

I wonder why? Are they following Britain down the route of 2 tier reporting, policing and justice?

 

The cultural enrichment is gatherng pace in Canada. You reap what you import. 

[Woke to Sounds of Horking]

Musk lets Trudes use X?

[RichardColeman]

Trump needs to build  2nd wall up north

[NewGuy]

I grew up in Montreal and had lots of Jewish friends. Whats going on in city after city and the limp reaction by the authorities really upsets me.