November 7, 2023
MONTREAL – B’nai Brith Canada is deeply disturbed after a Molotov Cocktail was thrown early this morning at Congregation Beth Tikvah in the suburb of Dollard-Des Ormeaux.
“This morning, we were shocked to find the remnants of what appears to be a Molotov Cocktail thrown at the front door,” said Henry Topas, B’nai Brith Canada’s Quebec Regional Director, who also serves as Cantor at Congregation Beth Tikvah. “This is outrageous and appalling.”
The heinous act occurred against the backdrop of weeks of incitement against the Jewish community at hate rallies across the country following Hamas’ brutal Oct. 7 attack on Israel. Jews, who comprise approximately one per cent of the country’s population, remain Canada’s most targeted religious minority, with antisemitism accounting for 66.9 per cent of all hate crimes in 2022.
After discovering the attempted arson at Beth Tikvah, Topas immediately contacted the Montreal Police Service, which dispatched officers to the scene.
“We thank the SPVM (Montreal Police) and the Community Security Network (CSN) for all the work they have been doing to keep our community safe in this trying time,” Topas said.
“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.”
