Article content
A Montreal kosher restaurant has been destroyed in what a local MP calls an apparent arson attack.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS
Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.
- Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.
- Unlimited online access to National Post.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
- Support local journalism.
SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE ARTICLES
Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.
- Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.
- Unlimited online access to National Post.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
- Support local journalism.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account.
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
- Enjoy additional articles per month.
- Get email updates from your favourite authors.
THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
- Enjoy additional articles per month
- Get email updates from your favourite authors
Sign In or Create an Account
or
Article content
Article content
Article content
MP Anthony Housefather says the fire at Nöam Restaurant “must be investigated as a hate crime.”
Article content
Article content
Housefather told National Post that the arson is “a horrific tragedy” for the owners who had invested heavily in the restaurant, as well as the local community and everyone who were regular patrons.
Article content
Article content
Article content
Police spokesperson Raphaël Bergeron told the Montreal Gazette that someone was seen leaving the premises shortly after the fire began and the case has been transferred to the arson squad.
Article content
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Article content
Firefighters were called to the blaze around 3:15 a.m., according to Bergeron. The building, which housed Nöam, which was a kosher restaurant serving Mediterranean, Italian and international dishes, sustained major damage before firefighters brought it under control.
Article content
Bergeron said investigators have yet to establish a motive.
Article content
Article content
Article content
Article content
Article content
Article content
The fire was captured in video posted to X by Montreal resident and senior fellow at the Tel Aviv Institute, Hen Mazzig. He wrote that police “are investigating a possible suspect seen walking away from the scene. We can’t say for sure the motive was antisemitic yet, but the signs certainly suggest it.”
Article content
Article content
Article content
Nöam, an incredibly popular kosher restaurant that serves Italian and Mediterranean food in Montreal, was burned down last night at 3 am.
It looks like arson, and police are investigating a possible suspect seen walking away from the scene.
We can’t say for sure the motive was… pic.twitter.com/AnBJPnCjBH
— Hen Mazzig (@HenMazzig) August 1, 2026
Article content
Article content
Article content
Earlier Saturday, Montreal newspaper columnist and city councillor Mike Cohen reported on X “(w)hat can only be described as a major hate crime” at the popular Montreal kosher restaurant. It has “been burnt the ground,” Cohen said.
Article content
Article content
His report was reposted on X by Montreal MP and parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Emergency Management, Anthony Housefather.
Article content
Housefather wrote in a Saturday morning X post that he is “absolutely disgusted to see what appears to be an arson attack on a local kosher restaurant overnight. This attack on a Jewish own business must be investigated as a hate crime & those involved in this criminal act must be caught & prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Article content
Absolutely disgusted to see what appears to be an arson attack on a local kosher restaurant overnight. This attack on a Jewish own business must be investigated as a hate crime & those involved in this criminal act must be caught & prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. https://t.co/FEgsdCr3z3
— Anthony Housefather (@AHousefather) August 1, 2026
