MONTREAL โ Montreal police are investigating after a video circulating on social media appears to show a Jewish father being assaulted in broad daylight while walking with his children. The footage has prompted condemnation from political leaders, Jewish organizations, and community officials who called for immediate action.
The recording, posted publicly on X and other platforms, shows a suspect striking the man several times. The attacker then walks away while bystanders assist the victim and his children. Police say they responded to a reported altercation and that an active investigation is underway.
This is beyond deplorable โ it is an outrage against basic human decency. In the heart of Montreal, a Jewish father is savagely beaten in front of his children. This is the Canada that Mark Carney has allowed to fester โ a place where weakness in leadership has emboldenedโฆ pic.twitter.com/ak9IdZyXvw
— Mayor Jeremy Levi (@jerlevi) August 8, 2025
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre condemned the attack and urged the public to help. He said, “A Jewish father was attacked in broad daylight in front of his kids in Montreal. This is appalling and unacceptable. No family should have to live in fear in Canada. We must stop the antisemitism that has exploded in our communities. If you have any information, please contact the police immediately to apprehend the person responsible.”
Mayor Jeremy Levi described the assault as intolerable and tied it to leadership failures he says have emboldened violence. He said, “This is beyond deplorable, it is an outrage against basic human decency. In the heart of Montreal, a Jewish father is savagely beaten in front of his children. This is the Canada that Mark Carney has allowed to fester, a place where weakness in leadership has emboldened brutality. Hampstead made a different choice long ago. We refused to bow to complacency. We increased our Public Security budget by 50%, ensuring we are ready, capable, and unwilling to depend on politicians who lack the courage to protect their own citizens. We will defend our people, every time, without apology.”
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs issued a strong appeal for accountability. CIJA said, “Another violent act on Canadian streets, this time in Montreal. As we head into the Sabbath, our community is shaken. 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.”
Jewish community groups in Montreal called for immediate measures to protect families. They said the incident is part of a broader rise in antisemitic harassment and violence nationally since October 2023, and urged authorities to treat the case as a potential hate crime.
Montreal police confirmed they are reviewing video evidence and witness statements. Investigators asked anyone with information or additional footage to contact the Service de police de la Ville de Montrรฉal or submit tips through official channels.
For the pro-Israel, Jewish, and Zionist community, the video is a painful reminder of the personal cost of unchecked antisemitism. Leaders urged concrete steps: faster hate crime investigations, enhanced security around Jewish neighbourhoods, public condemnations from civic leaders, and resources to support victims and their families. They also called on Montrealers of all backgrounds to stand in solidarity with the assaulted family.
The investigation is ongoing. Community organizations have pledged support for the victim and his children and said they will press for accountability and protective measures.
This article is based on verified information from CTV News, VINnews, The Epoch Times, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, statements by Pierre Poilievre and Mayor Jeremy Levi, and public social media postings and police briefings.