Jewish Father Assaulted in Front of Children in Montreal Antisemitic Attack

Montreal police have launched an investigation after a Jewish father was violently assaulted in the city’s Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension neighborhood on Friday afternoon in front of his terrified children, an antisemitic act that has drawn strong condemnation from across Canada’s political spectrum.

Authorities say the 32-year-old victim, who was with his three young children, was struck several times by the attacker around 2:45 p.m. Police confirmed that no arrests have yet been made.

The Journal de Montréal first reported the incident, releasing video footage showing the man being beaten in the presence of his children.

Officer Manuel Couture stated that the motive behind the assault remains unclear, adding that the victim’s injuries are not considered life-threatening.

Quebec Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the attack on Saturday, writing: “The attack on a Jewish father in Montreal late yesterday, in front of his own children, is an appalling act of violence. Everyone in Canada has an inalienable right to live in safety.”

The disturbing video shows the assailant straddling the father and hitting him near a splash pad, before collecting items in a reusable grocery bag. Two children cling to their father as the attacker throws a yarmulke into the water and then walks away.

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) also shared the footage, urging swift accountability. “Authorities must hold the attacker accountable, and leaders at all levels of government must confront this dangerous escalation,” the group stated before Shabbos.

Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante said she was deeply troubled by the “violent and unacceptable attack” and assured that police will work to uncover the full truth of what happened.

Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel, whose Papineau riding includes the site of the assault, wrote on X that she strongly condemns the “unprovoked assault of a Jewish father, attacked in front of his children.”

Quebec’s Minister for the Fight Against Racism, Christopher Skeete, also condemned the incident, saying: “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.”