Suspected Attempted Arson at Montreal Shul

By Hamodia Staff

A shul and a Jewish daycare center in Montreal were targeted with Molotov cocktails on Monday night, but in both cases caused only minor damage to the buildings’ doors.

According to a report by CBC, as well as a Hamodia interview with Montreal askan Mayer Feig, the incendiary devices were tossed at the door of Congregation Beth Tikvah Ahavat Shalom Nusach Hoari; and at the Federation CJA building just yards away, causing charred markings on the doors.

The fire department arrived to extinguish one fire that was still smoldering; the other apparently went out on its own.

Surveillance footage shows the Molotovs being thrown by two masked individuals on foot.

Henry Topas, regional director of B’nai Brith of Quebec, who also serves as a chazzan of the congregation, discovered what appears to be the remnants of a Molotov cocktail at the front door of the building when he and other members arrived at the shul for Shacharis around 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday.

“We were shocked to find the remnants of what appears to be a Molotov cocktail thrown at the front door,” Mr. Topas said. “This is outrageous and appalling.

“We are horrified that exactly one month to the day of the atrocities committed by Hamas, someone tried to burn down our house of worship. We urge the authorities to investigate and arrest those responsible for this violent act targeting our community.”

The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Montreal police arson squad.

No arrests have been made, and a security perimeter was set up to allow investigators to analyze the scene.