Montreal police are currently investigating an assault against a Jewish father that occurred on Friday afternoon in the Villeray—Saint-Michel—Parc-Extension borough. The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from various political figures across Canada. Reports indicate that the victim, a 32-year-old man, was attacked while accompanying his three children.

The incident took place around 2:45 p.m., and no arrests have yet been made. Authorities stated that the man sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The assault was initially reported by the Journal de Montréal, which released a video depicting the scene where the father was struck multiple times by a suspect while his children were present.

Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the act on social media, stating, “The attack on a Jewish father in Montreal late yesterday, in front of his own children, is an appalling act of violence.” He emphasized that every Canadian has an "inalienable right to live in safety." The video that surfaced shows a man striking the father near a splash pad while two of the children cling to him. The assailant was seen picking up items from the ground and throwing what appears to be a kippah, known as a yarmulke, into the water before leaving the scene.

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) shared the video on their Facebook page, urging authorities to take action. CIJA called for accountability for the attacker, asserting that leaders at all government levels must confront this disturbing escalation of violence. The organization expressed its concerns before Sabbath, highlighting the importance of taking firm action against such incidents.

Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante expressed her dismay over the "violent and unacceptable attack," assuring the public that the Montreal police would thoroughly investigate the incident. She stated her commitment to ensuring that the circumstances surrounding the attack are fully examined.

Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel, who serves the Papineau riding in the House of Commons where the incident occurred, also condemned the attack. On social media, she described the assault as unprovoked, emphasizing the trauma inflicted on the father in front of his children.

Christopher Skeete, the Quebec minister responsible for combating racism, echoed the sentiments of other officials regarding the disturbing nature of the attack. He expressed deep concern about the visible hatred exhibited during the altercation, reiterating that all Quebec residents have the right to live safely. Skeete emphasized the need for a collective effort to eliminate such expressions of hatred from society.

This incident has ignited conversations about violence against the Jewish community in Canada, prompting politicians and community leaders to call for immediate attention and action to prevent further occurrences. The ramifications of such violence extend beyond the immediate impact on victims, affecting the broader community's sense of security and belonging.