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Another Firebombing of Synagogue in Montreal Serves as Stark Reminder of Rising Anti-Semitic Incidents
Edited by: Fern Sidman
Montreal police are investigating an attempted arson at Congregation Beth Tikvah, a synagogue and community hub in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, following a fire that occurred early Wednesday morning. According to a report by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), this incident has alarmed Jewish community leaders and prompted widespread condemnation from both Jewish advocacy organizations and public officials.
As reported by the CBC, the fire was first noted in a 911 call placed just before 3 a.m. Responding officers arrived promptly and extinguished the flames with a fire extinguisher. The damage was minimal, but police discovered an incendiary device at the scene, and witnesses reported seeing a suspect flee. The synagogue suffered broken glass and damage to its front door, while a window at the nearby Federation CJA, a Jewish advocacy organization located across the street, was also shattered.
The CBC report highlighted that this is not an isolated incident but part of a troubling trend of anti-Semitic violence in Montreal. Similar incidents occurred in November 2023 at the very same intersection. At that time, remnants of Molotov cocktails were found at Congregation Beth Tikvah, and a small fire was ignited at the back door of the Federation CJA. That same week, a Jewish school in Montreal was the target of two shootings within four days.
🚨🚨🚨SECOND FIREBOMB ATTACK AGAINST MONTREAL SYNAGOGUE
Congregation Beth Tikvah got hit with a Molotov cocktail.
There were no injuries. But the safety of Jews in Canada is injured beyond reproach.
Our leaders have failed us. We will not fail us. pic.twitter.com/H2FgkVVJXY
— dahlia kurtz ✡︎ דליה קורץ (@DahliaKurtz) December 18, 2024
The CBC report quoted Rabbi Saul Emmanuel, executive director of the Jewish Community Council of Montreal, who condemned the recent attack, calling it “deeply disturbing” and a reflection of persistent anti-Semitic hatred. “These repeated attacks are meant to instill fear, but our community remains resolute. We will not be intimidated,” he said. The rabbi emphasized that the synagogue is more than a place of worship—it is a cornerstone for education, faith, and social services, making these attacks especially poignant and troubling.
Another synagogue in Canada has been firebombed.
Here in Montreal, Congregation Beth Tikvah was targeted with an “incendiary device” in a suspected hate crime.
Attacks on the Jewish community have skyrocketed in the city, yet Mayor Plante has failed to take action against the… pic.twitter.com/SdFwhC0A38
— Alexandra Lavoie (@ThevoiceAlexa) December 18, 2024
The dramatic uptick in anti-Semitic incidents in Montreal corresponds with an increase in hate crimes following the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel and subsequent retaliatory strikes in Gaza. The CBC report said that according to the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM), there has been 238 recorded reports of hate crimes and incidents targeting Jewish communities between October 7 of last year and December 11 of this year. This alarming trend draws attention to the urgency of addressing anti-Semitism in the city and beyond.
In response to the recent fire, Montreal police have established a security perimeter around the area and increased patrols. According to the information provided in the CBC report, the objective of these measures are meant to deter further incidents and reassure the community. Jewish leaders, however, stress the need for more comprehensive actions to protect Jewish institutions and counter the highly significant increase in hate crimes.
Jewish advocacy groups view the incident as emblematic of a broader escalation in anti-Semitic violence. The CBC reported that The Federation CJA, in a statement on Wednesday, called the attack a “brutal reminder” of the consequences when political leaders fail to strongly denounce anti-Semitism.
Yair Szlak, the Federation’s president and CEO, expressed the community’s frustration, telling the CBC, “Our community is outraged and every Quebec citizen should be as well. Enough is enough.” Szlak urged authorities to approach the investigation with “utmost care” and to examine all possible motives for the attack.
BREAKING: Another synagogue in Canada has been firebombed. Look at the destruction caused to Congregation Beth Tikvah in Montreal.
This is not 1930s Germany, this is 21st century Canada. Never again is now.
pic.twitter.com/w5Z4Y5VhDH— Eyal Yakoby (@EYakoby) December 18, 2024
The CBC report highlighted that while some political leaders have publicly condemned the incident, Jewish groups argue that the overall response has been muted. Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante took to X (formerly Twitter) to assert that “anti-Semitic actions are criminal actions” and vowed that the SPVM would hold those responsible accountable. “It is not acceptable that Montrealers live feeling unsafe because of their religion,” she added.
Quebec Premier François Legault also weighed in, stating, “This is not the Quebec we want.” The CBC report indicated that his statement was echoed by Public Security Minister François Bonnardel, who condemned the attack in a separate post.
At the federal level, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described the incident as a “cowardly, criminal, and vile anti-Semitic attack.” Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre called it “another brazen act of Semitic hate and violence.” Despite these condemnations, community leaders are pressing for more than words, emphasizing the need for decisive action to counter rising hate crimes.
The CBC report also explained that the Jewish community in Montreal is feeling increasingly unsafe. Incidents such as the fire at Congregation Beth Tikvah are not isolated. They are part of a pattern of escalating violence, which includes vandalism, physical assaults, and harassment. For many, these attacks serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of inaction and the importance of addressing the root causes of anti-Semitism.
Jewish advocacy groups are demanding more robust measures to combat hate crimes. This includes enhanced security for Jewish institutions, stricter enforcement of laws against hate speech and violence, and greater political accountability. The Federation CJA’s statement urged authorities to treat anti-Semitic attacks with the seriousness they deserve, stressing the importance of protecting the Jewish community’s safety and dignity.
The fire at Congregation Beth Tikvah serves as a wake-up call for both the public and policymakers, reminding everyone that combating anti-Semitism is not just a Jewish issue—it is a societal imperative. As Yair Szlak aptly stated, “Enough is enough.”
Criticism of Justin Trudeau’s Lack of Urgency
The disturbing surge in anti-Semitic incidents in Canada has prompted criticism of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s response. Critics argue that while Trudeau has publicly condemned anti-Semitism, his actions have been insufficient in addressing the escalating crisis.
Since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel, Canada has experienced a significant increase in anti-Semitic activities. In Montreal, for instance, Jewish schools have been targeted by gunfire, and synagogues have faced arson attempts. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) reported over a dozen alleged hate crimes and more than 25 “hateful incidents” in the month following the Hamas attack.
Critics contend that Prime Minister Trudeau’s response has been largely symbolic, lacking substantive measures to combat anti-Semitism. For example, during violent protests in Montreal on November 22, 2024—where demonstrators burned effigies and engaged in anti-Semitic acts—Trudeau was seen dancing at a Taylor Swift concert in Toronto. This incident drew parallels to the Roman Emperor Nero, who infamously “fiddled while Rome burned,” suggesting a leader detached from pressing crises.
Although Trudeau condemned the violence and anti-Semitism the following day, critics argue that his statements lacked concrete policy proposals or actions to address the root causes of such hatred. Michael Taube, a columnist and former speechwriter for Prime Minister Stephen Harper, urged Trudeau to “put down your dancing shoes, grow a pair and do something to stop the spread of anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiments in our country.”
Jewish community leaders and advocacy groups have called for more robust measures, including an increase in protection for Jewish institutions, such as synagogues and schools, to prevent further attacks. They are also calling for the implementation of stricter laws against hate crimes and ensuring their rigorous enforcement. Another priority is the promotion of awareness and understanding to combat anti-Semitic stereotypes and prejudices.
Eta Yudin, vice president of CIJA, emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy, stating that the Jewish community feels under attack and requires tangible support from the government.
