Rising antisemitic attacks in Montreal spark diplomatic warnings

A series of antisemitic incidents have unfolded in Montreal, Canada, prompting warnings from Israeli and U.S. officials. On August 1, 2026, a fire—suspected arson—destroyed the kosher Nöam restaurant in the Côte‑des‑Neiges neighbourhood. Video footage showed a single suspect setting the blaze, and the incident was condemned by Israeli Ambassador to Canada Iddo Moed, who warned that "the hate must be stopped before it transforms into something lethal."

During a CF Montréal soccer match the same weekend, anti‑Israel chants, including "Death to Israel," were directed at New England Revolution forward Dor Turgeman, who was later shoved by Montreal goalkeeper Sébastian Breza. The club announced an investigation into discriminatory comments. U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra called the restaurant fire tragic and urged Canadian leaders to protect the Jewish community. The incidents are part of a broader pattern of rising antisemitism in Canada, which has seen previous shootings targeting Jewish sites and a surge in hostile rhetoric toward Jews and Israel.