Jewish school struck by gunfire in Montreal, police investigating

Montreal police (SPVM) are investigating after another school in Montreal’s Jewish community was hit by gunfire overnight Tuesday into Wednesday.

A call to 911 was made late Wednesday afternoon about a possible shooting outside Belz school, located at the Young Israel of Montreal Synagogue, on Hillsdale Road, near Van Horne Avenue, in Côte-des-Neiges–NDG.

Police were on the scene by 6 p.m. and SPVM spokesperson Véronique Dubuc said that at least two bullets struck the front of the school – but that they were in the early stages of the investigation. No one was inside at the time or injured.

As of Thursday afternoon, police said they have one possible suspect, but no arrest has been made as of yet.

“It’s a nice neighbourhood. But to hear that there was a shooting, this is ridiculous. It’s scary,” said Catherine Sinchak, a Montreal resident.

“A neighbour’s bedroom was in the front and they heard the shots and they were walking up by it. They did not know what it was, but they heard gunshots,” said David Stein, another resident who lives right in front of the school.

The Federation CJA and Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs Quebec, issued a joint statement on Wednesday night, saying, “we have had enough. Another Jewish school shooting in Canada.”

“It’s time for real, concrete action to be taken to bring back law and order to our streets and take out the toxicity and hate that Quebecers are exposed to on a daily basis at this point,” said Eta Yudin, the Quebec vice-president for the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs to CityNews.

“Thankfully no one was inside the building, but this violent hatred must no longer be tolerated. Decisive action must be taken by Mayor Plante and leadership at the municipal level to finally put an end to the atmosphere of permissiveness towards anti-Semitism that is now rampant in our city.”

“We know that when decisive action is taken by leadership at the municipal level, this can end. […] This is not the Montreal anyone wants to live in.”

They added that the “SPVM assured us that as a precaution there will be increased presence in front of all Montreal Jewish schools.”

On Thursday morning, CityNews observed two to three police patrol vehicles in the area.

“I have talked with the community this morning, the school community, with the, the, the director of the school and just to show my support, of course, and to reiterate that the SPVM and the city will always be on their side. There’s no place for any kind of discrimination,” said Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante.

Plante also condemned the shooting on social media. 

“It is totally unacceptable that a Jewish school should once again be targeted. Anti-Semitism has no place in Montreal. The SPVM is on the scene to investigate and I am confident that they will once again find the culprit,” Plante wrote.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also condemned anti-Semitism in a social media post reacting to the gunfire.

“Disgusted that another Jewish school has been the target of a shooting. Relieved that no one was hurt, but I’m thinking of the parents and community members in Montreal who must be incredibly shaken. This is antisemitism, plain and simple — and we will not let it win,” Trudeau wrote on X.

At a press conference Thursday morning Trudeau said, “We are, of course, working with local law enforcement and will utilize all available federal resources to ensure that the perpetrators are held to account.”

Rachel Bendayan, the Liberal MP for Outremont, wrote on social media that she spoke with the school administration and community leaders, as well as the Federal Public Safety Minister. “This must stop. This is not who we are.”

Jewish community leaders want more action from Mayor Plante

“Mayor Plante referred to Montreal as this “peaceful town”, but this is not the Montreal anyone wants to live in,” wrote Yair Szlak, President and CEO, Federation CJA, and Eta Yudin, Vice President – Quebec, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) in their joint statement on Wednesday night.

“We call on all citizens of good faith to raise their voices against the relentless hatred, intimidation, and fear-mongering on our streets and campuses over a conflict that is taking place thousands of miles away; it must be stopped. Order must be returned to the streets of Montreal.”

Arrest made last week in connection to fall shooting

Just last week, a 20-year-old man was charged in connection to a shooting at a Jewish school in November.

He appeared at the Montreal courthouse to face charges, which include discharging a firearm, theft and receiving stolen vehicles.

The investigation continues into the possible participation of one or more suspects, according to police.

The incident happened on Nov. 12, 2023, around 5 a.m. when gunshots were heard on Deacon Road near Van Horne Avenue.

Police say a suspect was reportedly seen firing towards Jewish school Yeshiva Gedola, before quickly leaving the scene in a vehicle.

No one was inside the school at the time of the shooting, and no injuries were reported.

It was the second time in three days the school was hit by gunfire.

In the overnight hours of Nov. 9, an individual fired gunshots at the building and at another Jewish school — the United Talmud Torahs of Montreal — prompting police to open hate crime investigations.

Data from Montreal police shows there has been a rise in hate crimes against both the Jewish and Muslim community since October 7. There were 168 reported hate crimes against the Jewish community and 67 reported hate crimes against the Muslim community.

“It’s a tough time for the Jewish community in Montreal, Jewish community in the world,” says Stein. “We hope for better times.”

Anyone with information is being asked to call 911 or their local police station. You can also contact Info-Crime Montréal anonymously and confidentially at 514 393-1133 or via their online form.