Israeli President Urges Trudeau to Take ‘Decisive Action’ Following Recent Montreal Synagogue Attack
Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed his “great concern” to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a phone call following the second firebombing of a Montreal synagogue in just over a year.
“I reiterated to [Trudeau] my great concern over the intolerable wave of antisemitic attacks against the Canadian Jewish community,” Herzog wrote in a Dec. 19 post on the social media platform X.
He emphasized that “words would not suffice” and called for “firm and decisive action” to bring perpetrators to justice, combat antisemitism, and implement measures to protect the Jewish community.
Herzog’s conversation with Trudeau occurred after a Dec. 18 attack on the Beth Tikvah synagogue and the West Island Federation CJA building in Dollard-des-Ormeaux on Montreal’s West Island. The synagogue had previously been targeted in November 2023, following an attack by Hamas on Israel.
Israel’s response to the Hamas attack led to protests in Canada, the U.S., and Europe, with some incidents of violence and vandalism.
The Prime Minister’s Office released a statement after Trudeau’s call with Herzog, denouncing the Montreal attack.
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The statement emphasized Canada’s commitment to fighting antisemitism and all forms of hate, ensuring the safety and support of Jewish Canadians.
Prior to his discussion with Herzog, Trudeau condemned the antisemitic attack as “cowardly and criminal,” expressing confidence in swift justice for the perpetrators.
The recent firebombing of the Beth Tikvah synagogue is the seventh attack on a Montreal Jewish institution in the last 14 months, according to the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA).
Reactions
Various officials have condemned the attacks, including Liberal MP Anthony Housefather, who sent a letter to Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante expressing concern about ongoing anti-Israel protests.
Housefather criticized the Montreal Police for not effectively utilizing legal measures to prevent hate-driven activities.
In a Dec. 18 post on X, Plante condemned the attack, stating in French, “It is intolerable that Montreal citizens live in insecurity because of their religion.”
The Epoch Times reached out to the Montreal police for comment on the recent incidents, but a response was not immediately provided.
Former Justice Minister Irwin Cotler has called for stronger government action against rising antisemitism, urging effective measures to combat hate crimes.
Cotler emphasized the need for not just words but concrete actions to address the normalization of Jew-hatred and ensure the safety of affected communities.
