Montreal's police arson unit investigating fire at synagogue and Jewish community centre
CBC
Montreal police's arson unit is investigating a fire at the Congregation Beth Tikvah, a synagogue and Jewish community centre located in the West Island.
The fire was minor and police officers put it out with a fire extinguisher shortly after arriving at the scene.
According to police, a 911 call was placed just before 3 a.m. on Wednesday about a fire that had just started at a place of worship near the corner of Westpark and Roger-Pilon streets in Dollard-des-Ormeaux.
Police say one incendiary device was found at the scene and witnesses have told them they saw a suspect fleeing the scene. The damages were minor — some broken glass and some damage to the synagogue's front door.
A security perimeter has been set up and officers are being sent to the area to patrol.
Last year, in November, Montreal police's arson team was also deployed to that intersection. Remnants of molotov cocktails were found at the synagogue and a second small fire ignited at the back door of the Federation CJA building on Roger-across the street from the synagogue.
In a statement, the Jewish Community Council of Montreal condemned the latest incident and described it as "deeply disturbing and a stark reminder of the persistence of anti-Semitic hatred."
"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," said Rabbi Saul Emmanuel, the council's executive director.
"These repeated attacks are meant to instill fear, but our community remains resolute. We will not be intimidated."
In the wake of Hamas's Oct. 7 attack on Israel and the retaliatory bombing offensive in Gaza that ensued, the number of hate crimes and incidents targeting the Jewish community increased significantly, according to the Service de police de la Villle de Montréal (SPVM).
In October, the SPVM said it had recorded 213 hates crimes and incidents. These include crimes against a person, such as assault, as well as crimes against property.
CBC News is reaching out to the SPVM for updated numbers.
Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante also condemned the incident. In a post on X, the mayor said "antisemitic actions are criminal actions."
"The SPVM will investigate and will find those responsible. It is not acceptable that Montrealers live feeling unsafe because of their religion."
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