Montreal police are investigating a fire that heavily damaged a kosher restaurant in the early morning hours after evidence suggested it may have been deliberately set.
The fire broke out at approximately 3 a.m. At Nöam, a kosher restaurant on Décarie Boulevard in Montreal's Côte-des-Neiges - Notre-Dame-de-Grâce neighborhood. Investigators believe the fire was intentionally started and have launched a criminal investigation into its motive. A man was seen leaving the area as the fire began.
Nearly 80 firefighters responded to the two-alarm fire, which also damaged a garage in the same two-story commercial building. It remains unclear whether other businesses in the building were affected. No injuries were reported.
The incident prompted condemnation from Canadian officials. Member of Parliament Anthony Housefather called for the case to be investigated as a hate crime, stating he was "absolutely disgusted" By what appeared to be an arson attack on a local kosher restaurant and urging authorities to bring those responsible to justice.
Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Marc Miller also condemned the attack, saying he trusts the incident will be "properly investigated as a hate crime."
Senator Leo Housakos and Member of Parliament Leslie Church also denounced the fire and voiced support for a thorough investigation. Housakos said the incident reflects the growing sense of insecurity felt by many Canadian Jews.
Police have not announced any arrests, and the investigation remains ongoing.