Toronto Police are investigating suspected antisemitic attacks on Jewish businesses after shattered windows were discovered Sunday morning at two locations of the Jewish-owned Kiva’s Bagel Bar chain.
The damage was discovered when the locations opened Sunday morning and is believed to have occurred overnight between Saturday and Sunday.
At around 8:12 a.m., police received a report that a window had been struck by gunfire at the bakery’s location at Yonge Street and St. Clair Avenue.
Police confirmed that evidence of firearm use was found, including a bullet hole in the business’s front window.
Then at around 8:30 a.m., police were called to another Kiva’s location on Steeles Avenue West near Bathurst Street, shattered front window was also found there, although police found no evidence of gunfire.
Both locations belong to the same Jewish-owned chain, which is known as a popular gathering place for Toronto’s Jewish community, particularly on Sunday mornings. No injuries were reported in either incident.
Suspected hate-motivated crimes
Police are treating the incidents as suspected hate-motivated crimes and have increased their presence in the area.
No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.
A police officer who briefed the media said, “We understand that this is a concerning incident for residents and employees in the area, and especially for members of the Jewish community. All resources are available to us to investigate the case thoroughly.”
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow strongly condemned the attacks, calling them “vile and unacceptable.”
“There is no place for hate in Toronto. I will always stand with the Jewish community against antisemitism,” she said.
Noah Shack, CEO of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), described the bakery as a “hub” for Jewish families and expressed concern that the incidents could mark an escalation following previous shootings targeting Jewish institutions in the city.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar also responded to the attacks on Sunday, stating in a post to X/Twitter "I am following with concern the worrying news from Toronto of further attacks against Jewish businesses this morning."
"While thankfully none were injured, this is the latest attack in a long and horrifying line of violence and intimidation against the Canadian Jewish community." He added.
"The Canadian government must confront this antisemitic violent wave!"