The owners of a Montreal kosher restaurant destroyed in an early Saturday morning fire say they are devastated by the loss but determined to rebuild as the police investigation continues. The fire broke out at 3 a.m. at the restaurant Nöam in the Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough, according to the Montreal fire department. “I was shocked,” said co-owner Meir Azerad. Azerad runs the restaurant with his brother-in-law Ynon Cohen. Montreal police (SPVM) said evidence found at the scene suggests the fire was deliberately set, which has prompted a criminal investigation to determine the motive. Because the fire occurred during Shabbat, Azerad said he did not learn the extent of the damage until after sundown when he arrived on the scene. “People [were] coming to our home and knocking on the door and telling us the crazy news,” he said. Security footage provided to CTV News appears to show a man lighting the fire before fleeing the scene. Howard Szalavetz, who has owned the building complex for nearly 40 years, said he was upset by the incident. “It’s got a lot of history for me, and it was very sad to see what unfolded on Saturday morning.” The commercial complex is home to several businesses. “To see what we saw was devastating,” said Lori Zeidel, whose husband owns Lavage Prestige, the neighbouring car wash. Garage Decarie owner Jack Bayramian, who has operated his business there for 18 years, said he hopes those responsible are held accountable. “There’s no place for this stupidity.” Nöam had been open for two years and employed about 30 people. Azerad said the restaurant was named after his best friend (Cohen’s brother) who passed away. He added that the restaurant felt like home. “Nöam is not going anywhere.”
