Montreal Father Attacked in Villeray; Politicians Denounce Violence
City leaders express outrage over assault on Jewish man in front of his children
A disturbing incident unfolded in Montreal’s Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension borough Friday afternoon when a Jewish father was violently assaulted while with his young children. The attack, captured on video, has drawn widespread condemnation from political figures across Canada.
Assault Details Emerge
Montreal police confirmed that no arrests have been made following the incident, which occurred around 2:45 p.m. The 32-year-old victim was reportedly struck multiple times by a suspect. The Journal de Montréal first reported the alleged assault, releasing footage that shows a man being beaten near a splash pad as young children look on.
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.
My thoughts are with the victim and his family as they recover, and my support is with law…
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) August 9, 2025
Authorities have stated that the circumstances surrounding the attack are still under investigation, and the victim sustained injuries that are not considered life-threatening. The video depicts the attacker straddling the father and striking him, later picking up scattered items from a grocery bag. The footage also shows the assailant tossing a kippah, also known as a yarmulke, into the water before departing.
Community and Political Response
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) shared the video on Facebook, urging swift action. Authorities must hold the attacker accountable, and leaders at all levels of government must confront this dangerous escalation,
CIJA stated.
“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.”
—Mark Carney, Prime Minister
Prime Minister Mark Carney denounced the incident as an appalling act of violence,
emphasizing that every Canadian has a fundamental right to safety. Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel, representing the riding where the attack occurred, strongly condemned the unprovoked assault of a Jewish father, attacked in front of his children.
Quebec’s minister responsible for the fight against racism, Christopher Skeete, expressed his deep disturbance, noting the hatred on display must stop.
He 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.
Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante also voiced her concern, calling the attack violent and unacceptable
and assuring that police would thoroughly investigate.
Broader Context of Antisemitism
This incident occurs amidst rising concerns about antisemitism. Statistics Canada reported a 47% increase in hate crimes targeting religious groups in 2022, with Jewish communities being disproportionately affected (Statistics Canada, 2023).
The attack has reignited discussions about the safety and acceptance of Jewish Canadians. An opinion piece noted that the number of places we feel unwelcome keeps growing
for the community.
