Montreal police (SPVM) are investigating a fire that broke out overnight at a kosher restaurant in Montreal’s Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough. Police said evidence found at the scene suggests the fire was deliberately set, which has prompted a criminal investigation to determine the motive. A man was seen leaving the scene at the start of the fire, police told CTV News. Nearly 80 firefighters responded to the two-alarm blaze on Décarie Blvd. between Plamondon Avenue and Vezina Street around 3 a.m., according to the Montreal fire department. The restaurant, Nöam, is part of a two-storey multi-commercial building that also houses a garage, which was also damaged in the fire. The Montreal fire department said it was unclear whether other small businesses operated there. No injuries were reported. Several politicians speak out Several politicians have taken to social media to condemn the fire at Nöam. Anthony Housefather, Member of Parliament representing the riding of Mount Royal, wrote on social media that the fire should be investigated as a hate crime. “Absolutely disgusted to see what appears to be an arson attack on a local kosher restaurant overnight,” he wrote. “This attack on a Jewish-owned business must be investigated as a hate crime & those involved in this criminal act must be caught & prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, also wrote on social media that the fire should be investigated as a hate crime. “Disgusted to see this attack on a local kosher restaurant. Trusting this disgraceful act will be properly investigated as a hate crime,” he wrote. Leo Housakos, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate of Canada, wrote on social media that the incident is deeply disturbing. “While the investigation is ongoing, it’s no wonder so many Jews feel increasingly unsafe in the very city they helped build. Antisemitism has indeed found a home in Canada,” he wrote. Member of Parliament for Toronto–St. Paul Leslie Church wrote on social media that she condemns the incident. “I stand with all Canadians who are appalled by these criminal acts targeting Jewish Canadians and Jewish-owned businesses. Police and prosecutors have my full support in bringing those responsible to justice,” she wrote. This is a developing story. More to come.
