Montreal man faces arson-related charges in connection with synagogue firebombing

The Canadian Press

· Posted: Apr 09, 2025 5:47 PM EDT | Last Updated: 3 minutes ago

A 19-year-old antheral has been charged successful the firebombing of a Montreal-area synagogue successful December.

Mohamed Ilyess Akodad faces 2 arson-related charges, 2 counts of attempted arson, 1 number of demolition of spot and 1 number of possession of incendiary material.

The charges subordinate to a Dec. 18 occurrence astatine the Congregation Beth Tikvah successful a suburb of Montreal, which caused insignificant harm to the synagogue.

Police astatine the clip reported breached solid and harm to the doorway of the synagogue, arsenic good arsenic fume damage, and a smashed solid doorway astatine the adjacent offices of Federation CJA, a Jewish assemblage group.

The incidental successful Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Que., was wide condemned, including by past premier curate Justin Trudeau, who called it "a vile antisemitic onslaught against Montreal's Jewish community."

Akodad pleaded not blameworthy during a virtual quality astatine the Montreal courthouse connected Wednesday, and is scheduled to look again connected Thursday to sermon adjacent steps.

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs welcomed quality of the arrest.

"Now, it is up to prosecutors to responsibly proceed with this lawsuit focused connected maximizing its deterrent effect," said Eta Yudin, the organization's vice-president for Quebec "It indispensable beryllium made wide that the hateful targeting of the Jewish assemblage has superior consequences."

Montreal constabulary accidental the fishy was arrested successful the Montreal borough of Anjou, and investigators seized grounds during a hunt of a home.

They accidental the probe is ongoing and anyone with accusation is invited to interaction police.