'Violent and unacceptable' attack on Jewish father in Montreal's Parc-Extension

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A search is underway for a suspect after a Jewish father was attacked in front of his children in the city’s Parc-Extension neighbourhood Friday afternoon.

A video of the brazen assault was posted on social media, where a man can be seen repeatedly punching the victim. A little girl can be heard yelling as she stands beside the victim, while the video ends with the suspect walking away and throwing what appears to be a kippah on the wet ground near a fountain. Mayer Feig, who posted the video on X, described it as a “unprovoked attack” and alleged it took police “over an hour to respond.”

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The incident occurred around 2:45 p.m. at the Beaumont-De l’Épée park at de l’Épée and Beaumont avenues, according to police spokesperson Manuel Couture.

“From the first testimony that we have, a 32-year-old man was assaulted by a suspect who then left the scene,” he said.

The man was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Couture said police are investigating, but the motive is not yet known. No arrests have been made as of noon Saturday.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante said police will get to the bottom of the “disturbing” assault.

“I am deeply troubled by the violent and unacceptable attack against a Jewish community leader that occurred yesterday in Villeray—St-Michel—Parc-Extension,” she wrote on X Saturday. “My thoughts are with the victim and his loved ones.”

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) also condemned the attack.

“An unprovoked attack on a Jewish father, in front of his own children, must not go unanswered. No more ‘thoughts and prayers.’ Authorities must hold the attacker accountable, and leaders at all levels of government must confront this dangerous escalation,” the organization said on social media.

Quebec’s anti-racism minister Christopher Skeete also denounced the attack. “This hatred that is being transferred to people who are different must stop,” he wrote on X. “All Quebecers have the right to live in safety. I look forward to reading that the police have found the attacker and that he will face justice.”