MONTREAL — Montreal police are investigating after a Jewish father was attacked in the city's Villeray—Saint-Michel—Parc-Extension borough on Friday afternoon, an act condemned by much of the political class on Saturday.
Police say no arrests have been made as the 32-year-old man who was with his three children was struck several times by a suspect around 2:45 p.m.
The alleged assault was first reported by the Journal de Montréal, which released a video showing a man being beaten by another man, alongside young children.
Const. Manuel Couture said the circumstances behind the assault are not known and the injuries suffered by the victim are deemed non-life-threatening.
Prime Minister Mark Carney was among the politicians that weighed in on the attack on Saturday.
"The attack on a Jewish father in Montreal late yesterday, in front of his own children, is an appalling act of violence," Carney wrote in a post Saturday on X. "Everyone in Canada has an inalienable right to live in safety."
The short video shows a man straddling the father and striking him near a splash pad before picking up items scattered about in a reusable grocery bag. Two children cling to the father as the man then throws what looks like a kippah — also known as a yarmulke — into the water and walking away.
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs also posted the video on its Facebook page on Friday and called for action.
"Authorities must hold the attacker accountable, and leaders at all levels of government must confront this dangerous escalation," CIJA said before Sabbath.
Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante says in a social media post that she was troubled by the "violent and unacceptable attack" and said Montreal police will get to the bottom of the incident.
Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel, who represents the Papineau riding in the House of Commons where the attack took place, said on X she strongly condemns the "unprovoked assault of a Jewish father, attacked in front of his children."
Christopher Skeete, Quebec's minister responsible for the fight against racism, also took to X, noting the hatred on display must stop.
"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," Skeete said.
"All Quebecers have the right to live in safety."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 9, 2025.
Sidhartha Banerjee, The Canadian Press
