Montreal police are currently conducting an investigation into a fire that significantly damaged a kosher restaurant named Nöam, located in the Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough. The incident occurred overnight on Saturday, August 1, 2026, and has been classified as suspected arson. However, investigators have yet to establish a motive for the attack and are not at this stage treating it as a hate crime.
The fire, which was reported around 3 a.m., caused extensive damage to the restaurant situated on Decarie Boulevard, an area known for its sizable Jewish community. Nearly 80 firefighters responded to the two-alarm blaze, which took place near the intersection of Plamondon Avenue and Decarie Boulevard. The Montreal fire department has been involved in managing the situation since the fire broke out.
Stéphanie Valenzuela, the Mayor of the Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough, expressed concerns that the fire could understandably alarm residents, especially considering it followed a vehicle fire that damaged the exterior of a mosque in another part of the borough. Nevertheless, she emphasized that authorities found no evidence linking the two incidents. The Montreal fire department continues to investigate the mosque fire, which is not being considered suspicious at this time.
In her statement on social media, Mayor Valenzuela reassured residents that both the borough and law enforcement were in contact with community leaders and were closely monitoring the situation. She affirmed that “acts of violence and intimidation have no place in our neighborhoods,” and reinforced the commitment to ensuring the safety of all community members.
Federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree also addressed the incident through social media, expressing concern regarding what appeared to be an arson attack targeting a gathering place for Montreal’s Jewish community. He stated, “Antisemitism simply has no place in our society and we must do everything we can to eradicate it wherever it manifests.”
Mount Royal MP Anthony Housefather visited the site after the fire and shared on social media that he was “absolutely disgusted” by the incident. He called for a thorough investigation into the arson and urged that it be treated as a hate crime, emphasizing the need for those responsible to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. His sentiments were echoed by Federal Identity and Culture Minister Marc Miller, who condemned the act and expressed confidence that it would be properly investigated as a hate crime.
Jewish advocacy organization B’nai Brith Canada also condemned the fire, echoing the sentiments expressed by officials and urging immediate action against antisemitism. They stated, “Jewish Canadians have heard enough condemnation and promises. Now we need action.”
In a related tweet, Toronto Councillor James Pasternak expressed his shock and disgust regarding the arson, highlighting the alarming rise in antisemitic incidents across Canada that have impacted Jewish individuals, businesses, and institutions. He conveyed that this attack on Nöam further underscores the urgent need to address rising antisemitism in society.
