A fire early Saturday morning destroyed Nöam, a popular kosher dairy restaurant in Montreal's Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce neighborhood, with Montreal police transferring the case to their arson squad following reports of suspicious circumstances. Firefighters responded to the two-storey multi-commercial building at 6647 Décarie Boulevard, between Plamondon Avenue and Vézina Street, around 3:15 a.m. The blaze affected the restaurant and an adjacent garage, causing extensive structural damage that community members described as destroying the establishment. No injuries were reported, and firefighters brought the fire under control after a significant response.
Montreal police stated that a person was observed leaving the premises shortly after the fire started. According to reports circulating in the Montreal Jewish community, surveillance footage reportedly captured an individual pouring an accelerant and igniting it. Investigators are examining the scene and reviewing video evidence as they work to determine the circumstances of the fire.
Police spokesperson Raphaël Bergeron noted that investigators are examining all possibilities and had no specific indication of a hate crime at the time of initial statements, though the circumstances prompted calls for that angle to be thoroughly investigated. The SPVM arson squad has taken over the case, and police have not publicly established a motive.
Nöam was a Jewish-owned establishment serving Mediterranean, Italian, and international kosher dishes, including pizza, pasta, and salads. The restaurant held a relatively small seating capacity of approximately sixty seats and maintained MK certification. It had operated since approximately 2024 and had developed a loyal following in the Montreal Jewish community. The restaurant was typically open most nights except Friday and was closed for Sunday brunch, with reservations recommended for evening service.
The incident has drawn strong reactions from political and community figures. Liberal Member of Parliament Anthony Housefather, representing the Mount Royal riding, called the apparent arson "absolutely disgusting" and said the attack on a Jewish-owned business "must be investigated as a hate crime" with those responsible subject to prosecution "to the fullest extent of the law." According to Housefather's statements, the fire should be treated as a potential hate crime given the target and circumstances.
Montreal city councillor and columnist Mike Cohen described the incident as "what can only be described as a major hate crime" and noted the restaurant had been "burnt to the ground." The Israeli Consulate in Montreal expressed deep concern over the arson of a Jewish-owned kosher business and called for a quick and serious investigation and prosecution.
Senator Leo Housakos and other political figures condemned the incident, linking it to broader concerns about antisemitism and threats to Jewish safety in Montreal and Canada. Community members have expressed intent to support the owners and assist in rebuilding efforts.
The fire occurred amid a documented pattern of incidents targeting Jewish institutions across Montreal, including schools, synagogues, businesses, and community facilities over approximately the past three years, according to community and political statements. Montreal police continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the early morning fire.
