Toronto police are investigating two attacks on branches of a Jewish-owned bakery chain after gunfire damaged one shop and another was vandalised in incidents that are being treated as potential hate crimes, reports Israel National News.
The attacks took place on Sunday at two locations belonging to Kiva’s Bagel Bakery. One branch, near Yonge Street and St Clair Avenue West, was struck by gunfire, shattering a front window. A second branch, near Bathurst Street and Steeles Avenue West, also suffered damage after its front window was broken. However, investigators say there is currently no evidence that a firearm was used at that location.
No injuries were reported in either incident.
Duty Inspector Scott Bradbury said Toronto Police’s Hate Crime Unit is working alongside the Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force to determine who was responsible and whether the two attacks were linked.
„We understand that this is concerning for those who work and live in this area, especially members of the Jewish community, and we have all the resources available to thoroughly investigate this matter,” Bradbury said.
Police have not yet established whether the incidents were carried out by the same suspects, although they confirmed that both targeted branches of the same bakery chain. Officers have increased their presence in the surrounding areas and are appealing for witnesses, security footage and dashcam video that could assist the investigation.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar condemned the attacks, describing them as part of a disturbing pattern of intimidation directed at Canada’s Jewish community.
„I am following with concern the worrying news from Toronto of further attacks against Jewish businesses this morning,” he said.
„While thankfully none were injured, this is the latest attack in a long and horrifying line of violence and intimidation against the Canadian Jewish community.”
Sa’ar called on the Canadian government to take stronger action against what he described as a wave of antisemitic violence.
The attacks come amid heightened concern over antisemitic incidents in Canada, where Jewish schools, synagogues and businesses have faced repeated acts of vandalism, threats and violence since the outbreak of the Israel–Hamas war. The investigation remains ongoing.
Photo credit: iStock
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