Investigation Underway as Montreal Police Respond to Gunshots Targeting Jewish Schools

Montreal police are currently investigating potential hate crimes after two Jewish schools in the city were targeted with gunshots overnight. Bullet holes were discovered on the doors of both schools, accompanied by bullet casings. Thankfully, no one was present in either building at the time and no injuries were reported. These incidents have deeply shaken Montreal's Jewish community, who express concerns over an increase in hate crimes during the Israel-Gaza conflict. Yair Szlak, the head of the Montreal-based Jewish organization Federation CJA, stated that the Jewish community, which has a long history in Quebec, feels under attack. The Montreal Police Service has not found any graffiti or messages left behind, but they are considering the possibility of a hate crime. The shootings follow firebomb attacks on a synagogue and a Jewish center in Montreal's West Island, with no injuries reported. Eta Yudin, Vice President of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs in Quebec, believes that these firebombings result from the importation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to Montreal. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned antisemitism in response to these incidents. Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante issued a warning to the perpetrators, assuring prosecution and thorough investigation by the police into every act of violence and hate. Montreal police have recorded 74 hate crimes and incidents targeting the Jewish community between October 7 and November 7, coinciding with the Israel-Hamas conflict, and have also reported 25 hate crimes against the Muslim community during the same period. Increased police presence has been implemented at places of worship, and authorities are appealing for calm. Similar rises in hate crimes have been reported in other Canadian cities, including Toronto and Vancouver.