Montreal Synagogue Faces Second Antisemitic Attack in a Year
Montreal synagogue targeted in antisemitic attack for second time in a year
Image: Jpost
Montreal Police arrested a 38-year-old man for attempting to set fire to Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom in Westmount, Quebec. This incident follows a prior vandalism case involving antisemitic graffiti. The rabbi emphasized the need for proactive measures against rising antisemitism in Canada, which has surged alarmingly.
- 01The suspect attempted to ignite a fire inside Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom by breaking a window.
- 02The synagogue previously faced vandalism with antisemitic graffiti last year.
- 03Rabbi Lisa Grushcow called for proactive measures to combat antisemitism after the attack.
- 04Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney acknowledged a 'crisis of antisemitism' in Canada, with a new advisory council formed to address it.
- 05In 2024, approximately 70% of reported religion-based hate crimes in Canada targeted the Jewish community.
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On Thursday night, Montreal Police arrested a 38-year-old man suspected of attempting to commit arson at Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom in Westmount, Quebec. The incident occurred around midnight when emergency responders received a 911 call regarding a fire-starting attempt at the synagogue. The suspect allegedly broke a window to ignite a fire inside, causing only minor damage and no injuries. This attack follows a prior incident last year when the synagogue was vandalized with antisemitic graffiti. Rabbi Lisa Grushcow expressed the need for proactive efforts against antisemitism, highlighting that criticism of Israel can lead to violence against Jews when it crosses into libel. The attempted arson coincides with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's announcement of a new federal advisory council aimed at combating antisemitism, which he described as a crisis in Canada, with hate crimes against the Jewish community comprising about 70% of all reported religion-based hate crimes in 2024.
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The incident raises concerns about safety and community relations in Westmount, Quebec, particularly for the Jewish community.
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