Rabbi Urges Action After Attempted Arson at Westmount Synagogue

The CBC News video captures the scene at Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom on Sherbrooke Street West and Wood Avenue in Westmount, Quebec, where firefighters responded just after midnight on Friday to an attempted arson at the synagogue. The footage shows police vehicles and the Westmount public safety team securing the area following a 911 call that led to the arrest of Steven Luu nearby.

Details of the overnight incident and arrest

Just after midnight on Friday, Steven Luu approached Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom at the intersection of Sherbrooke Street West and Wood Avenue in Westmount, Quebec. He broke a window with the clear intent to set fire inside the synagogue building. Firefighters arrived quickly after the 911 call and prevented the flames from spreading, resulting in only minor damage and no injuries to anyone present.

Police from the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal, known as SPVM, responded immediately alongside members of the Westmount public safety team. Officers located and arrested 38-year-old Steven Luu in the immediate vicinity of the synagogue. The coordinated effort between the two agencies ensured the suspect was taken into custody without further incident on the residential streets of Westmount.

The synagogue, a longstanding place of worship in the Montreal area, had previously faced antisemitic vandalism in February 2025. This latest event occurred in a neighbourhood known for its historic Jewish community presence and proximity to downtown Montreal. Local residents reported hearing sirens as emergency crews secured the site throughout the early morning hours.

The charges and court proceedings

Steven Luu appeared in Quebec court on Friday afternoon to face six charges. These include arson along with possession of incendiary and explosive materials. The formal court appearance took place in Montreal, where prosecutors outlined the allegations stemming from the overnight events at the synagogue.

Court records indicate that Luu was remanded following the initial hearing. The charges reflect the deliberate nature of the attempt to ignite materials inside the building after the window was broken. Legal proceedings are expected to continue in the coming weeks under the Quebec judicial system.

The accused's court appearance drew attention from community representatives monitoring the case. Prosecutors emphasised the possession of materials capable of causing significant harm if the fire had taken hold. No bail application details were released immediately after the Friday hearing.

Police investigation and hate crime assessment

SPVM spokesperson Jean-Pierre Brabant stated that investigators have found no immediate indication the attack was motivated by hate. The probe remains active, however, and officers have not ruled out a hate crime classification. Police continue to examine the suspect's background and any communications that might clarify intent.

The investigation involves forensic analysis of the broken window and any remnants of incendiary devices recovered at the scene. Officers are also reviewing surveillance footage from the area around Sherbrooke Street West and Wood Avenue. Collaboration with federal agencies may occur if the case expands beyond provincial jurisdiction.

Westmount residents have expressed concern over the incident given the synagogue's history. Police have urged anyone with additional information to contact the SPVM tip line. The ongoing assessment will determine whether charges could be upgraded to include hate-motivated elements under Canadian criminal law.

Rabbi Grushcow's message to the community

Rabbi Lisa Grushcow of Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom sent an email to congregation members shortly after the incident. In the message she wrote that "this is time for action" against antisemitism. The rabbi called on members to strengthen community ties and report any suspicious activity to authorities.

The email referenced the February 2025 vandalism at the same synagogue as evidence of repeated targeting. Rabbi Grushcow emphasised the importance of vigilance while affirming the congregation's commitment to remaining in Westmount. She encouraged participation in upcoming security training sessions organised with local police.

Members of the synagogue have begun organising meetings to discuss enhanced protective measures. Rabbi Grushcow's statement aligns with broader efforts by Canadian Jewish organisations to address rising incidents of antisemitism. The message also expressed gratitude to first responders who contained the fire quickly.

Political response from municipal and federal levels

Westmount Mayor Michael Stern issued a statement condemning the attack and declaring that public safety remains the municipality's top priority. He confirmed that the town would review lighting and camera coverage along Sherbrooke Street West in response to the event. Stern noted the incident affects all residents in the historic community.

Federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree described the attempted arson as "absolutely deplorable." The minister's office stated that Ottawa stands ready to support Quebec authorities if additional resources are required. Anandasangaree highlighted the need for continued federal-provincial coordination on public safety matters.

Both officials referenced the synagogue's location in a densely populated urban centre near Montreal. Their statements underscore Canada's commitment to protecting places of worship under existing federal and provincial frameworks. Local councillors in Westmount have scheduled a public safety committee meeting for next week.

Prime Minister Carney's national antisemitism initiative

Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a speech this week declaring that Canada faces a "crisis of antisemitism." During the address on Parliament Hill, he announced the creation of a new Ministerial Advisory Council on Rights, Equality and Inclusion. The council will advise the federal government on strategies to combat discrimination nationwide.

Former senator Marc Gold, a member of Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom, was named to head the advisory council. Rabbi Lisa Grushcow endorsed the appointment, noting Gold's long-standing involvement in both federal politics and the Montreal Jewish community. The council is expected to hold its first meetings in Ottawa within the month.

The initiative builds on previous federal efforts to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls to action and UNDRIP commitments. Carney emphasised that protecting religious minorities strengthens Canada's multicultural fabric. Funding for the council will come through existing Public Safety Canada allocations.

Broader implications for Canadian communities

The attempted arson at Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom highlights ongoing challenges for Jewish institutions across Canada. Similar incidents have prompted increased security spending by synagogues in major cities from Vancouver to Halifax. Community leaders are urging all levels of government to accelerate implementation of hate crime prevention programs.

Federal immigration and multiculturalism policies continue to emphasise inclusion, yet recent events demonstrate gaps in enforcement. Organisations such as the Canadian Jewish Congress have called for expanded RCMP hate crime units in Quebec and Ontario. The Westmount case may influence upcoming discussions in the House of Commons on enhanced legislation.

Provincial health authorities and school boards in Quebec are also reviewing their own safety protocols in light of the incident. The event serves as a reminder that protecting places of worship requires sustained cooperation between municipal police, federal agencies, and community groups. Residents in Westmount and beyond are monitoring the investigation closely as it proceeds through the courts.

By Alex Thompson, Staff Writer