Montreal Bakery Destroyed in Second Fire Within Two Days

Mimimelon, a kosher bakery in Montreal's Saint-Laurent neighborhood, was destroyed in a fire that started early Wednesday, November 4. This incident marks the second suspected arson attack on the business within 48 hours. The bakery was unoccupied during both events, and no injuries were reported in either fire.

Co-owner Jennie Volfson recounted the sequence of events. A security alert went off on Monday night, November 2, indicating someone was attempting to open the rear door. Volfson checked the cameras, saw flames, and alerted police and firefighters. Crews contained that initial fire, limiting the damage to the shop. A second alert arrived around 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Volfson said the camera feed showed a flash of light followed by what she described as an explosion before the video cut out. The resulting blaze could not be controlled, leaving the building destroyed.

Montreal police have not yet found evidence that establishes antisemitism as the motive. However, they assigned both the arson and hate crimes units to the investigation due to the bakery's ties to the Jewish community. Volfson, who runs the business with her husband and father-in-law, stated that the extent of the destruction makes the future of the business uncertain. After reviewing the footage, she believes an intruder entered through a door that was damaged during the first incident. She noted this was her interpretation of the video evidence.

The bakery has a history of antisemitic incidents. In September, a masked man entered the shop, shouted that all Jews would burn, and fled. Volfson also reported hearing offensive remarks from passersby, particularly around October 7. The owners remained vigilant during the Jewish High Holidays.

These fires occur as antisemitic incidents in Quebec rise. B'nai Brith's 2026 Annual Audit found that the number of incidents nearly tripled from 2025 to 2026. In August, police investigated the fire that gutted a Montreal kosher restaurant as arson. Paola Samuel, B'nai Brith Canada's regional director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada, urged law enforcement to consider hate motives when Jewish homes or businesses are targeted. She stated that rising incidents mean such a motive cannot be excluded.

Volfson said Mimimelon has operated for 11 years and serves a niche market with little competition. She expressed difficulty understanding why the business was targeted. The next step in the investigation involves the continued work of the assigned police units as they examine the scene and the security footage.