Watch: Jewish Father Beaten in Montreal as Kids Watch in Horror
A Jewish father was brutally attacked in Montreal’s Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension borough in front of his children, prompting a police investigation and widespread condemnation from officials.
Montreal police launched an investigation into a violent assault on a 32-year-old Jewish father in the Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension borough, captured partially on a 28-second video by a bystander. The attack, which occurred at 2:45 p.m. at the corner of l'Épée and Beaumont avenues, showed the assailant straddling and striking the victim, dressed in traditional Jewish attire, while his three young children were present, one clinging to him in distress. The attacker also tossed what appeared to be the victim’s kippah into a nearby splash pad before fleeing with a grocery bag. Police reported the victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries, but no arrests have been made, and the motive remains unclear, according to Const. Manuel Couture.
The incident, first reported by Journal de Montréal, sparked widespread condemnation. Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante expressed dismay on social media, stating, “I am troubled by the violent and unacceptable attack,” and assured that police would thoroughly investigate. Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel, representing the Papineau riding where the assault occurred, declared on X, “I strongly condemn the unprovoked assault of a Jewish father, attacked in front of his children.” Quebec’s Minister for the Fight Against Racism, Christopher Skeete, added, “I am deeply disturbed by this video showing a member of the Jewish community being attacked for no reason in front of his child, whose cries can be heard. All Quebecers have the right to live in safety.”
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) shared the video, demanding accountability and urging leaders to address the escalation of antisemitism, which saw 920 hate crimes in Canada in 2024, per Statistics Canada. Social media on X amplified the outrage, with Hampstead Mayor Jeremy Levi calling the attack “beyond deplorable” and an “outrage against basic human decency.” Amid a 140% rise in U.S. antisemitic incidents in 2024, per the Anti-Defamation League, the incident is just another reason that Jews need to be worried about their safety. (What this means practically is up to each person, but could include getting self defense lessons or carrying pepper spray.) Police are seeking public assistance at 514-280-0131.