Interfaith Peace Centre condemns antisemitic attacks in Toronto and Montreal

The Interfaith Peace Centre is condemning a string of antisemitic incidents targeting Jewish and Israeli people in Toronto and Montreal, including gunfire at a Jewish-owned bakery and a suspected arson at a kosher restaurant. The group is urging police and governments to protect Jewish institutions and hold those responsible accountable.

Why it matters: - The incidents add to growing concern about antisemitic violence and intimidation in Canada. - The attacks targeted Jewish-owned and Jewish-connected businesses, plus an Israeli athlete, raising fears about safety in public spaces, workplaces and places of worship. - The Interfaith Peace Centre says a coordinated response from law enforcement, elected leaders, faith communities and civil society is needed.

What happened: - The Interfaith Peace Centre condemned attacks on two Toronto locations of Kiva's Bagel Bar, a Jewish-owned bakery chain. - On July 26, 2026, one Toronto location was hit by gunfire and another had its front window smashed. - No injuries were reported in the Toronto incidents. - Toronto Police's Hate Crime Unit is investigating the cases. - In Montreal, Nöam, a kosher restaurant, was gutted by a fire within the past 24 hours before the statement. - Police are investigating the Montreal restaurant fire as suspected arson after surveillance footage reportedly showed an individual setting the blaze. - Hours later, Israeli soccer player Dor Turgeman was reportedly targeted with chants of “Death to Israel” during a match between the New England Revolution and CF Montréal. - Objects were allegedly thrown toward Turgeman after he scored.

The details: - The Interfaith Peace Centre said the Toronto and Montreal incidents represent a terrifying escalation in intimidation directed at Jewish and Israeli people in Canada. - The group linked the attacks to a deadly antisemitic shooting in Montreal that happened just weeks earlier. - The statement also pointed to a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents targeting Jewish Canadians. - Naeem Khan, board president of the Interfaith Peace Centre, said an attack motivated by antisemitism is an attack on justice, peace and human dignity. - Khan called for Jewish institutions, businesses and places of worship to receive the protection they need to remain safe and secure. - The Interfaith Peace Centre commended Toronto Police's Hate Crime Unit for its investigation. - The group called for those responsible to be identified and held fully accountable. - The Centre urged federal, provincial and municipal leaders to strengthen protections against hate-motivated violence and intimidation.

Between the lines: - The statement frames the attacks as broader assaults on community safety, not isolated vandalism or property crimes. - The inclusion of both Jewish and Israeli targets suggests concern about overlapping antisemitic and anti-Israel hostility. - By calling for a unified response, the Interfaith Peace Centre is pushing the issue beyond policing and into public policy and community protection. - The group also broadened its message to include solidarity against Islamophobia, racism and other forms of hatred and discrimination.

What's next: - Police investigations in Toronto and Montreal will continue. - The Interfaith Peace Centre is pressing governments and law enforcement to increase protection for Jewish communities. - The group says Canadians should stand together against antisemitism and other forms of hate.