Jewish community outraged after suspected arsons at Montreal-area synagogue, institution
CTV
Montreal police (SPVM) are investigating attempted arsons Tuesday at the Congregation Beth Tikvah synagogue in Dollard-des-Ormeaux on the West Island and a neighbouring Jewish organization.
Montreal police (SPVM) are investigating attempted arsons Tuesday at the Congregation Beth Tikvah synagogue in Dollard-des-Ormeaux on the West Island and a neighbouring Jewish organization. According to police, incendiary devices caused minor damage to the front door of the synagogue as well as the back door of another nearby building that houses the Federation CJA.
"During the night, an incendiary object was thrown through the front door," said Sabrina Gauthier, a spokesperson with Montreal police, adding the community centre was also targeted. "There is minor damage. The investigation is ongoing."
No arrests have been made, and a security perimeter has just been set up in the area to allow investigators to analyze the scene.
Organization B'nai Brith Canada says it is "outraged and concerned" about the incident.
"We were shocked to find the remnants of what appears to be a Molotov cocktail thrown at the front door," said Henry Topas, B'nai Brith Canada's Quebec regional director, who also serves as a cantor at Congregation Beth Tikvah. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau commented about the incident on X, formerly Twitter, calling it "deeply disturbing." "Antisemitism is completely unacceptable and must always be condemned – our government will continue to work with Jewish communities to combat this hatred," he added.
Federation CJA President Yair Szlak held a press conference Tuesday with Eta Yudin, the vice-president of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA Quebec), to condemn the attempted arson.
Szlak called it "intolerable and unacceptable."
