Authorities in both the Toronto and York Regions of Canada are investigating two separate acts of vandalism, graffiti, and a break-in targeting La Briut, a kosher restaurant and catering business.
The first incident occurred early Friday morning at approximately 3:00 a.m. when La Briut’s office in Markham, located to the north of Toronto, was broken into. The perpetrators stole items and defaced the property with hateful, antisemitic graffiti, including messages like “[Curse] Jews” and “Free Gaza” on the interior walls of the establishment. York Regional Police, who are looking into the case, issued a statement saying, “The suspects vandalized the property causing significant damage, and left antisemitic graffiti on the property.” Police images show two masked individuals captured on camera using spray paint inside the building.
In the second incident, the La Briut restaurant located on Dufferin Street and Steeles Avenue West in Toronto was also targeted. The restaurant’s front door was broken, and property was stolen from inside. This incident is being investigated by the Toronto Police Service.
The Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) expressed deep concern over the two attacks. Jaime Kirzner-Roberts, Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy at FSWC, remarked, “This latest appalling attack on a Jewish-owned business is a stark reminder of the persistent and troubling rise in antisemitism in our society.” He continued, “It’s deeply disheartening that, in 2025, members of the Jewish community still face such vile and targeted hate crimes. No one should have to live in fear for their safety or endure harassment and intimidation because of their faith or identity. We must come together as a society to reject this kind of hatred and ensure that those who perpetrate these despicable acts are held accountable.”
The UJA Federation of Greater Toronto also condemned the attacks, saying it was “deeply outraged and saddened by the recent antisemitic attacks on La Briut, a kosher restaurant and caterer.” The Federation added, “As a community, we stand united against hate and will not be deterred by those who seek to instill fear.”
Melissa Lantsman, the Jewish Conservative Member of Parliament for Thornhill, a Toronto suburb, shared images of the vandalism on Instagram and commented, “The radical mobs will tell you this is about Gaza and not Jews.” She went on to say, “Another day in Toronto where a kosher business is targeted by the lawlessness that has been allowed to fester in the streets because of the divisiveness of governments and their dithering leadership on Jew hatred.” Lantsman also criticized the Prime Minister’s inaction: “The PM might have (sort of) resigned last week but doing nothing to stop this for more than 15 months will be his enduring legacy.”
These incidents are part of a disturbing trend in Toronto, where antisemitic attacks have surged since October 7, 2023.
{Matzav.com}