A Jewish school in Montreal, Yeshiva Gedola, has been targeted by gunfire for the second time in less than a week, amidst a surge in antisemitic and Islamophobic crimes in the city. Montreal police received a call around 5 am on Sunday reporting shots fired in the vicinity of the school. Upon investigation, officers found a bullet hole on the front facade of the building, as well as shell casings. Witnesses reported seeing a suspicious vehicle fleeing the scene shortly after the gunshots were heard. The hate crimes unit is currently investigating the incident, reviewing video evidence and speaking to witnesses.

This is not the first time Yeshiva Gedola has been targeted. Just five days prior, the school was struck by gunfire, with a bullet hole found on the front door. Despite the attacks, the school remains open, and educators are determined to continue with their daily activities. Rabbi Menachem Karmel, an educational leader at Yeshiva Gedola, denounced the incidents as terror attacks and expressed his shock at the idea of someone targeting their community in this manner. Classes have resumed for all grades with increased security measures in place. Two police cars have been stationed on both sides of the school since the previous day, and additional security has been implemented.

Yeshiva Gedola was not the only Jewish school targeted recently. Talmud Torah Elementary School in Montreal was also hit by gunfire, with a bullet hole found on its front door. It is unclear if the incidents are related. No arrests have been made in either case, and fortunately, no one was injured.

The spike in hate crimes in Montreal can be attributed to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Since the start of the war on October 7, there has been a significant increase in antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents. Montreal police have reported 73 hate crimes against the Jewish community and 25 hate crimes against the Arab-Muslim community between October 7 and November 7. This is a significant increase compared to the 72 hate incidents reported for the entire year of 2022. The city has also seen other acts of violence, such as a Molotov cocktail being thrown at Beth Tikvah Synagogue.

Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante expressed her concern and condemned the rise in acts of hate, stating that the Jewish community is under attack. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also spoke out against the violence, calling it unacceptable. He emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence and urged Canadians to recognize each other's pain and fears.

The situation in Montreal reflects the broader tensions and violence surrounding the conflict in the Middle East. The attack by Hamas has resulted in numerous casualties, with Israel reporting an estimated 1,200 deaths and over 240 hostages. The Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, which is controlled by Hamas, has led to over 10,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Palestinian health authorities.

The incidents at Yeshiva Gedola and other Jewish institutions highlight the need for increased security and vigilance to prevent further acts of hate and violence. The investigation into these incidents is ongoing, and authorities are determined to bring the culprits to justice. The Jewish community in Montreal, along with city officials and leaders across the country, are united in their condemnation of these acts and their commitment to promoting understanding and tolerance.