Arrest Made in Montreal Synagogue Arson Case Amid Rising Antisemitism Concerns
Published: April 10, 2025
MONTREAL—The arrest of a suspect in connection with the December 2024 arson attack on Congregation Beth Tikvah in Dollard-des-Ormeaux has been met with cautious optimism, as concerns about escalating antisemitism continue to grip communities across Canada and echo anxieties felt within the United States.
Mohamed Ilyess akodad, 19, of Anjou, Quebec, faces a array of charges, including arson, attempted arson, destruction of property, and possession of incendiary materials, according to authorities. The Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) made the arrest.
Community Reaction and Concerns
Henry Topas, B’nai Brith Canada’s Regional Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada, and also a cantor for Beth Tikvah, expressed gratitude for the police investigation, stating, “We are grateful to the police for diligently investigating this case.” He also noted the profound impact of these attacks, adding, “Brazen attacks on our places of worship have left deep scars in Montreal’s Jewish community.”
Topas further emphasized the ongoing threat, saying, “An arrest is a relief, but antisemitism continues to escalate in Quebec and throughout the country. We hope that, at a later stage, the police decide to add hate crime charges.”
this sentiment mirrors concerns in the United States, where similar incidents have prompted calls for increased vigilance and stronger hate crime legislation.Such as, the Anti-defamation League (ADL) has reported a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents in recent years, drawing parallels between the Canadian experience and the challenges faced by Jewish communities in the U.S.
Background: A Pattern of Attacks
The December 2024 attack was not an isolated incident. Congregation Beth Tikvah was also targeted in november 2023, with both incidents involving incendiary devices and causing damage to the building’s entrance. Reports indicate that a nearby Jewish community center was also targeted during each attack, suggesting a intentional pattern of antisemitic violence.
Last week, B’nai Brith Canada released its *Annual Audit of Antisemitic Incidents* for 2024. The December attack on Beth Tikvah was a focal point, highlighting what the association called one of the year’s moast appalling cases. The report documented a staggering 215.7% increase in antisemitic incidents in Quebec since 2023.
Richard Robertson, B’nai Brith Canada’s Director of Research and Advocacy, linked the attacks to broader geopolitical events, stating, “Since October 7, 2023, Beth Tikvah has been attacked in repeated, shocking displays of antisemitism.” Robertson was referring to Hamas’ “brutal attacks” on Israel more than a year ago. He added,”As then,there has been a crisis of antisemitism in Canada. We are pleased that the Montreal police have done their due diligence on this arrest, but more must be done to restore Jewish Canadians’ sense of security and wellbeing.”
the Rise of Antisemitism: A Closer Look
The surge in antisemitic incidents is not unique to Canada. The United States has witnessed a similar trend, particularly following events in the Middle East. Experts attribute the rise to a combination of factors, including:
- Increased polarization of political discourse
- The spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories online
- The use of social media platforms to disseminate hate speech
- Geopolitical tensions that often spill over into domestic contexts
In the U.S., organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and the ADL have been tracking the rise of hate groups and antisemitic rhetoric for years. they have noted a connection between online radicalization and real-world violence, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to counter hate speech and extremism.
Practical Applications and Recent Developments
In response to the escalating threat, governments and law enforcement agencies in both Canada and the United States are implementing various strategies to combat antisemitism and hate crimes. These include:
- Enhanced training for law enforcement to identify and investigate hate crimes
- Increased funding for community security programs
- Educational initiatives to promote tolerance and understanding
- legislation to strengthen hate crime laws and prosecute offenders
- Collaboration between law enforcement, community organizations, and social media companies to address online hate speech
The Canadian government hosted a National Forum on Combatting Antisemitism in March 2025. The forum focused on working with Statistics Canada to “better recognize and report on the existence of hate crimes, to improve data consistency and awareness to help everyone to better understand the extent of hate crimes in Canada, including acts of antisemitism.” As part of this effort, the government is providing “training for police to ensure that antisemitism and acts of hatred are identified.”
In the U.S., similar initiatives are underway.The Department of Justice has made prosecuting hate crimes a priority, and various states have enacted legislation to combat antisemitism in schools and universities. For example, some states have adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism to help identify and address antisemitic incidents.
Addressing Counterarguments
Some critics argue that concerns about antisemitism are often exaggerated or used to silence criticism of Israeli policies. Though, experts emphasize that antisemitism is a distinct form of prejudice that targets Jews based on their identity, regardless of their views on Israel. While criticism of Israeli policies is legitimate, it should not cross the line into antisemitism by employing stereotypes, conspiracy theories, or double standards.
Another counterargument suggests that focusing on antisemitism detracts from the fight against other forms of discrimination. However, advocates argue that combating antisemitism is an integral part of a broader effort to promote equality and justice for all. By addressing all forms of hate and prejudice,societies can create a more inclusive and tolerant environment for everyone.
Looking Ahead
The arrest in the Congregation Beth Tikvah arson case is a step in the right direction, but much more needs to be done to address the root causes of antisemitism and ensure the safety and security of Jewish communities. This requires a multi-faceted approach that includes:
- Education and awareness programs to combat stereotypes and promote understanding
- Stronger hate crime laws and enforcement mechanisms
- Effective strategies to counter online hate speech and extremism
- Collaboration between governments, law enforcement, community organizations, and social media companies
- Ongoing dialog and engagement to build bridges between different communities
By working together, societies can create a more just and equitable world where everyone is free from discrimination and violence.
Antisemitic Incidents: Comparative Data
| Region | 2023 | 2024 | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quebec | X | Y | 215.7 |
| United States (ADL Data) | A | B | Z |
*Note: Fictional data used for demonstration purposes. Replace with actual verified statistics from ADL and B’nai Brith Canada reports.*
