In the early hours of Monday morning, the Jewish Community Council of Montreal (JCC) fell victim to an apparent arson attempt when a Molotov cocktail was hurled into its entrance. Thankfully, the incident occurred when the premises were unoccupied, resulting in minimal damage, as confirmed by JCC Executive Director Saul Emanuel.
Emanuel expressed gratitude for the rapid response of the Service de Police de la Ville de Montreal and the Montreal Fire Department. He strongly condemned the act, attributing it to the alarming rise in antisemitism in the city. Emanuel revealed that the JCC has been in discussions with Canadian and Quebec officials since the October 7 terrorist attack on Israel, advocating for increased funding to enhance the safety and security of the Jewish community and its institutions.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre labeled the incident as an “appalling antisemitic attack,” urging the federal government to implement Conservative measures aimed at protecting Canadians and preventing such violent attacks.
Montreal police are actively investigating the incident, which is part of a series of recent crimes targeting Jewish institutions in the city. Previous incidents include firebombings at a synagogue and a Jewish organization, as well as gunfire directed at two Jewish school buildings, including Yeshiva Gedola on November 12. The police have reported an increase in hate crimes against the Jewish since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began on October 7.