Montreal Kosher Restaurant Nöam Destroyed in Suspected Arson Attack

A two‑alarm fire broke out around 3:15 a.m. on August 1, 2026 at Nöam, a kosher restaurant on Décarie Boulevard in Montreal’s Côte‑des‑Neiges–Notre‑Dame‑de‑Grace borough. The blaze gutted the restaurant and caused extensive damage to the building, but no injuries were reported.

Montreal police have transferred the case to their arson squad after surveillance footage appeared to show a man in a white T‑shirt and dark pants igniting the fire before fleeing. Investigators have not confirmed a motive and have not announced any arrests. Local officials, including Liberal MP Anthony Housefather and Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, called for the incident to be treated as a possible hate crime, reflecting community concerns about rising antisemitic attacks. Building owner Howard Szalavetz and Jewish organizations also condemned the fire and urged a thorough investigation.

The incident adds to a series of recent antisemitic incidents targeting Jewish institutions in Canada, prompting calls for stronger protection measures.