Shootings and Firebombs: Attacks Against Jewish Community Escalate in Canada

Police investigate the Yeshiva Gedolah school for clues after shots were fired at two Jewish schools in Montreal on Nov. 9, 2023. The Canadian Press/Ryan Remiorz

Antisemitic violence is on the rise across the country, and many Jewish organizations are concerned about the safety of Jewish Canadians.

The anti-Israel and anti-Jewish activities have increased since the surprise attack of Hamas in Israel on Oct. 7. Israel responded with military action in Gaza with the goal of eliminating Hamas terrorism in the region.

In Canada, ongoing acts of violence targeting the Jewish community have resulted in condemnation from politicians and leaders.

Nov. 9

Two Jewish schools in Montreal were hit by gunshots overnight, police say. School staff members saw the bullet holes on the exterior of the buildings on the morning of Nov. 9. Montreal police said no one was inside when the shootings occurred.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded to the attacks on X, formerly Twitter, saying he condemned them.

“The reports of overnight shootings at Jewish schools in Montreal are horrifying. I condemn these violent acts of antisemitism in the strongest terms possible—and I want to be clear: This hate has no place in Canada, and we must all stand united against it,” he posted.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called the attacks “horrifying.”

“With the rise in antisemitic hate and violence in Canada, the Federal government must work with law enforcement and the Jewish community to ensure everyone’s safety,” he said in a post on social media.

Nov. 8

Concordia University in Montreal reported three separate acts of antisemitism on campus. A video of students clashing was released on X, appearing to show pro-Palestinian protestors shouting obscenities at pro-Israeli students.

University president Graham Carr condemned the actions.

“The university unreservedly condemns these deplorable acts and will make every effort to identify and bring those responsible to account for their behaviour,” he said in a statement.

“I extend my heartfelt support to all members of our community who are experiencing anguish and pain as a result of the terrible things transpiring around us. Again, I want to remind all members of the community that we are there to provide support.”

Nov. 7

Fire damage is shown at the entrance of the Congregation Beth Tikvah, in Dollard-Des Ormeaux, Que., in this recent handout photo. The Canadian Press/HO - B'nai Brith Canada

Montreal police responded after a synagogue and a Jewish community centre were firebombed.

Montreal police spokesperson Sabrina Gauthier said on Nov. 7 that incendiary devices were cast at two locations in Quebec’s on-island suburb of Dollard-des-Ormeaux.

There was minor damage done to the front door of the synagogue and the back door of a nearby Jewish community centre.

Nov. 3

An Ottawa rabbi says he was the victim of a hate crime after receiving a harassing phone call.

Rabbi Idan Scher said that he  listened to the caller for approximately four minutes as the man condemned the Jewish community for supporting Israel, calling them “Zionists,” which, he said, means they are “Nazis who need to be killed.” He said he stayed on the call so he could gather important details to share with police.

A 29-year-old man has been charged by Ottawa police in connection with the “threatening phone call,” a Nov. 6 news release says. Police did not list the charges on the release, but said that it would “prosecute those who commit hate crimes to the full extent of the law.”

Mr. Scher encouraged other victims to report hate crimes.

Oct. 23

Media reports and videos on social media show pro-Palestinian protestors gathering in front of a Toronto restaurant, with some calling for a boycott of the business, saying it was a “Zionist cafe.”

While police said they did not receive any reports or complaints about the demonstration, politicians condemned the incident.

In Montreal, police said they received 38 reports of crimes targeting the Jewish community in that city between Oct. 7 and Oct. 25.

Anti-Israel Protest Disruptions

Since the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel, and Israel’s military response, rallies and protests have been held across Canada in support of Palestinians, many causing disruption.

A police car on the scene as pro-Palestine protesters gather in downtown Toronto on Oct. 9, 2023. Andrew Chen/The Epoch Times

On Nov. 9, a protest was held at Union Station in Toronto in an attempt to shut down the station.

Metrolink, a government agency in charge of transportation in Toronto and Hamilton, said the protests did not interfere with the transit system.

“GO Transit and UP Express service was not impacted,” it said in an email to The Epoch Times.

The Epoch Times reached out to the Toronto Transit Commission but did not hear back by publication time.

On Nov. 8, protestors in Ottawa blocked MPs from entering Parliament and listed their demands on Facebook.

The list includes a ceasefire and an end to the military action in Gaza, an end to Canada’s support of Israel, and a “free Palestine.”

The Canadian Press contributed to this report.