Lead

Canadian police are investigating after an object was thrown through the window of Mishkan Avraham synagogue in Toronto over Friday night, an attack that came within 24 hours of an attempted arson at a Montreal synagogue. No injuries were reported in the Toronto incident, and no suspects had been identified as of writing, according to the Toronto Police Service.

The Toronto attack came just a day after a 38-year-old suspect was arrested following an attempted arson at Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom in Westmount, Quebec, as reported by the Jerusalem Post. The Montreal suspect, identified as Steven Luu, a resident of the St. Leonard borough, faces six charges including arson, arson by negligence, and possession of an explosive device.

Coverage Comparison

Both incidents were reported by the Jerusalem Post, which noted the Toronto attack occurred within 24 hours of the Montreal incident. The Jerusalem Post cited the Toronto Police Service for the Toronto attack details and cited Canadian media for the Montreal arrest. The Montreal Gazette was named as the outlet that identified Steven Luu as the suspect.

The Jerusalem Post reported that Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom was vandalized with antisemitic graffiti last year. The synagogue's rabbi, Lisa Grushcow, said on Facebook that the building was open and operational for Shabbat after the arson attempt, with no injuries and no significant damage.

Westmount Public Safety Department officers quickly arrested the alleged attacker, according to Grushcow and the Westmount municipality. The Montreal Police (SPVM) did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but the Montreal Gazette identified the suspect as St. Leonard borough resident Steven Luu.

Key Claims

  • A 38-year-old suspect attempted arson at Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom in Westmount, Quebec, by breaking a window to start a fire inside, as reported by the Jerusalem Post. The building suffered minor damage and no one was injured.
  • Police arrested the suspect after emergency responders received a 911 call around midnight Thursday, according to the Jerusalem Post.
  • Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom was vandalized last year with antisemitic graffiti, the Jerusalem Post reported.
  • An object was thrown through the window of Mishkan Avraham synagogue in Toronto over Friday night, and no suspects had been identified, according to the Toronto Police Service as cited by the Jerusalem Post.
  • The Toronto attack occurred within 24 hours of the Montreal synagogue attack, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.
  • The Montreal suspect, Steven Luu, faces six charges including arson, arson by negligence, and possession of an explosive device, according to the Jerusalem Post.
  • Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney introduced a federal advisory council to combat antisemitism, and stated that Canada faces a "crisis of antisemitism" at post-war highs, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.
  • Government data shows that roughly 70% of religion-based hate crimes in 2024 targeted the Jewish community, according to the Jerusalem Post.

Perspectives

Rabbi Lisa Grushcow (Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom): In an email to her congregation, Grushcow called for a proactive response to antisemitism, saying that "responding requires being proactive, not reactive." She linked violence against Jews to the importation of external conflicts and the "libeling" of Israel, while noting that criticism of Israel can be legitimate. She also said: "Politicians need courage. Law enforcement needs support. Neighborhoods need good neighbors."

Consul General Idit Shamir (Toronto): Shamir criticized the Canadian government's response, saying "the time for symbolic gestures had passed." In a statement on X, she said that Canadian Jews continue to require extraordinary security measures and that "Canada must demonstrate, through concrete action, that antisemitic violence will be confronted with the full force of the law."

Prime Minister Mark Carney: Carney introduced a new federal advisory council to combat antisemitism, stating that Canada faces a "crisis of antisemitism" that "surged to levels not seen in the post-war period." He also acknowledged that "Canada's civic compact is failing Jewish Canadians," according to the Jerusalem Post. Former senator Marc Gold, a congregant of Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom, was appointed to the council. Security measures for the annual Walk With Israel event in Toronto, including regional law enforcement contingents, were also announced.