Mayor of Montreal Condemns Antisemitism Following Alleged Targeting of Restaurant
Politicians are condemning violence and intimidation against Montreal’s Jewish community after discovering bullet-shaped holes in a restaurant window on the morning of June 19.
Yoni Amir, co-owner of Falafel Yoni, stated that his employees found holes resembling those made by a projectile when they arrived for work in the morning. They promptly contacted the police.
During a phone interview, Mr. Amir expressed his dismay, saying, “It’s a pretty upsetting and unnerving and unsettling thing for the staff especially.”
Although unsure of the reason for being targeted, Mr. Amir, who is Jewish, mentioned that the incident occurred shortly after his restaurant was listed online for boycotting by individuals claiming the business supports Israel. Stickers advocating genocide and a free Palestine were also found on the restaurant’s front in previous months.
The restaurant owner clarified that he has never voiced political opinions relating to the Israel-Hamas conflict, believing that a restaurant should not serve as a political platform. He speculated that he may be on the boycott list due to his Israeli heritage and mentioned encountering comments alleging cultural appropriation of non-Israeli cuisine. He spoke out against hate, violence, and racism, asserting that these actions are deplorable.
Montreal police confirmed an ongoing investigation following the discovery of three small holes in a business window within the city’s Mile End district.
Related Stories
A police spokesperson stated that the nature of the holes, whether caused by bullets or the motive behind the act, remains unconfirmed.
Mayor Valérie Plante, in a message on X (formerly Twitter), remarked that the incident appears to have been done to intimidate the Jewish community in the city. She emphasized that antisemitism and violence have no place in Montreal.
Montreal Liberal MPs Rachel Bendayan and Anthony Housefather also censured the incident and suggested that the restaurant was targeted due to its Jewish ownership.
Ms. Bendayan highlighted this event as part of a series of incidents instilling fear in some members of the Jewish community, preventing them from wearing kippahs or allowing their children to attend school.
