April 9, 2025
MONTREAL – B’nai Brith Canada applauds the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) for arresting an individual in connection with a December 2024 attack on Congregation Beth Tikvah in Dollard-des-Ormeaux.
Mohamed Ilyess Akodad, 19, of Anjou, Que., faces charges related to arson, attempted arson, destruction of property, and possession of incendiary materials.
“We are grateful to the police for diligently investigating this case,” said Henry Topas, B’nai Brith Canada’s Regional Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada, who also serves as cantor for Beth Tikvah. “Brazen attacks on our places of worship have left deep scars in Montreal’s Jewish community.
“An arrest is a relief, but antisemitism continues to escalate in Quebec and throughout the country. We hope that, at a later stage, the police decide to add hate crime charges.”
Last week, B’nai Brith Canada unveiled its Annual Audit of Antisemitic Incidents for the year 2024. The December attack on Beth Tikvah was among the most appalling cases featured in the report. In Quebec, overall, we recorded a 215.7 per cent increase since 2023.
An arsonist also firebombed Beth Tikvah in November, 2023. Both incidents involved incendiary devices and caused damage to the building’s entrance. During each attack, those responsible also targeted a nearby Jewish community center.
“Since October 7, 2023, Beth Tikvah has been attacked in repeated, shocking displays of antisemitism,” said Richard Robertson, B’nai Brith Canada’s Director of Research and Advocacy, referring to Hamas’ brutal attacks on Israel more than a year ago. “Since then, there has been a crisis of antisemitism in Canada. We are pleased that the Montreal police have done their due diligence on this arrest, but more must be done to restore Jewish Canadians’ sense of security and wellbeing.”
