Montreal kosher eatery fire sparks calls for restraint on antisemitism claims

In the early hours of Saturday, a fire ripped through Nöam, a kosher restaurant in Montreal, and investigators have classified the incident as suspected arson while keeping the motive undisclosed. Owners Ynon Cohen and Meir Azerad, together with manager Tzvi Harrison, appealed for patience, warning against premature conclusions that the blaze was driven by antisemitism. They emphasized that Nöam, though Jewish-owned, was intended as an inclusive gathering place for people of all backgrounds.

The community responded quickly, with congregants offering condolences, nearby businesses proposing free venues for a temporary operation, and global supporters reaching out. A GoFundMe page launched by a community member has attracted almost $42,000 of a $250,000 goal to cover repairs, salaries, and other costs that insurance will not fully meet. Police are reviewing footage supplied by neighboring properties, and the owners ask media and the public to respect the ongoing investigation.