A suspected arson attack on a Montreal Jewish-owned bakery, Mimimelon, has resulted in significant damage and destruction. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning, with the bakery's co-owner Jennie Volfson reporting a second notification from the security system around 00:30 on November 4. The blaze could not be contained, resulting in complete destruction of the bakery.
This is the second alleged arson attempt directed at Mimimelon within 48 hours. The first incident took place on the night of Monday, November 2, when Volfson received a security notification that someone was attempting to open the bakery's back door. Firefighters were able to control the fire and minimize damage, but the second incident resulted in complete destruction.
The Montreal police have been assigned to investigate the case, with the hate crimes and arson units involved due to the bakery's ties to the Jewish community. While there is no evidence yet that the incident was motivated by antisemitism, the police are considering the possibility. B'nai Brith Canada has called for law enforcement to consider hate motivations when investigating incidents targeting Jewish homes or businesses.
Mimimelon, located in the historically Jewish Saint-Laurent neighborhood, has previously been targeted by acts of antisemitism. In September, a masked man entered the bakery and yelled, "All the Jews will burn," before running off. The attack on Mimimelon comes at a time when antisemitic incidents in Quebec have nearly tripled from 2025 to 2026, according to B'nai Brith's 2026 Annual Audit of Antisemitic Incidents.
Volfson expressed uncertainty about the future of the bakery, stating that it would have to be scrapped entirely. She surmised that a person was able to get inside the bakery during the second incident, possibly due to the door being compromised from the previous day. The bakery has been in operation for 11 years and is a niche business with no direct competition.
The incident has raised concerns about the rise of antisemitism in Canada. Paola Samuel, B'nai Brith Canada regional director of Quebec and Atlantic Canada, emphasized the need for law enforcement to consider hate motivations when investigating incidents targeting Jewish homes or businesses. The Montreal police are continuing to investigate the incident.
The destruction of Mimimelon has left the community shaken, with Volfson expressing her disappointment and concern about the future. The bakery was a staple in the neighborhood, and its loss will be felt by the community. The investigation is ongoing, and the police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Key points
- The Montreal police are investigating the incident as a suspected arson attack, with the hate crimes and arson units involved.
- The bakery has previously been targeted by acts of antisemitism, including a incident in September where a masked man yelled, "All the Jews will burn."
- Antisemitic incidents in Quebec have nearly tripled from 2025 to 2026, according to B'nai Brith's 2026 Annual Audit of Antisemitic Incidents.
