Amy Mek
MONTREAL – In a disturbing turn of events, Montreal police are actively investigating two separate incidents of gunfire targeting Jewish schools in the city. These incidents, occurring on the anniversary of Kristallnacht, carry a chilling historical resonance. The Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) spokesperson, Jean-Pierre Brabant, confirmed that the police received two 911 calls, one at around 8:20 a.m. and the second just before 8:50 a.m.
Both calls reported that bullets had struck the front doors of the schools. However, police are “cautious” about confirming any link between the two incidents at this stage.
The targeted schools, Talmud Torah Elementary School on Saint-Kevin Avenue and Yeshiva Gedola of Montreal on Deacon Road, both situated in the Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood, were thankfully empty at the time, sparing any injuries. At the scene of Talmud Torah Elementary School, investigators discovered at least one bullet casing.
David Oliel, an adult studying at Yeshiva Gedola, expressed resilience, stating that the incident would not deter him from openly observing his faith. He emphasized that while people have the right to protest against the actions of the Israeli government, violence targeting the Jewish community in Montreal is unacceptable.
Rising Tensions and a Proactive Response
The incidents occurred amidst escalating tensions in Montreal linked to the ongoing conflict between Hamas/Palestinians and Israelis in the Middle East. Responding to the atmosphere of unease, Hampstead, a suburb with a significant Jewish population, is set to pass a bylaw imposing a $1,000 fine on anyone caught tearing down posters depicting Israeli hostages kidnapped by Hamas.
Mayor Jeremy Levi, announcing the bylaw on social media, stated, “Hampstead will adopt a bylaw that will impose a $1,000 fine to any person that removed the Israeli hostage posters from public property.” He further emphasized that 100% of the fines collected would be donated to Israel. The resolution is expected to pass at the next council meeting scheduled for November 14.
Levi, acknowledging that he was unaware of any reports of posters being taken down in Hampstead, emphasized the importance of proactive measures to prevent potential issues.
National Outrage, Global Context, and Recent Attacks
During a housing press conference in Longueuil, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the antisemitic violence, stating, “This hatred has no place here in Montreal, in Quebec, or Canada.” However, it is worth noting that Trudeau has pursued an open borders agenda, allowing almost 500,000 immigrants into the country in 2023, with many originating from Islamic nations where hatred against Jews is prevalent. Additionally, there has been a notable increase in the number of non-permanent residents, totaling +697,701.
The Montreal incidents follow recent attacks on Jewish institutions in Massachusetts, where two Jewish institutions were targeted by firebombs just days ago. These incidents add to a concerning wave of antisemitic attacks, including reports of incendiary devices at the Beth Tikvah synagogue and a nearby Jewish community center in New York City.
We are aware of what appears to be an attempted firebombing at @FederationCJA West Island & Congregation Beth Tikvah in #Montreal.
— CIJA (@CIJAinfo) November 7, 2023
The building was empty & no one was hurt. The @SPVM is aware & investigating. We will report when further updates are available.#Antisemitism…
As investigations continue in Montreal, authorities are faced with the challenging task of addressing the rising concerns related to both Islamic and left-wing violence while ensuring the safety of the Jewish community in the city. The incidents underscore the broader global impact of such violence and the ongoing conflict on communities far beyond the borders of the Middle East.
Vlad Tepes
Well, let’s see some video footage. Make 100% sure the correct perpetrators are identified, and prosecuted. Canada is surveillance oriented, and probably has cameras everywhere, even inside toilets.
Not sure what various western governments are expecting to gain from the crazy influx of people that hate us. Surely they are not all foolish enough to think down the road this won’t come back to bite them. Muslims pray to Mo not Trudeau.