Boy, 16, arrested following potential hate crime in Montreal’s West Island – Montreal | 24CA News
Montreal police are investigating what seems to be a stunning hate crime close to a Jewish elementary faculty in Dollard des Ormeaux.
While 1000’s of Montrealers celebrated the seventy fifth anniversary of the independence of Israel on Wednesday, a video was posted to social media the place somebody may be seen eradicating Israeli flags from the fence of Hebrew Foundation School. The flags are then seen burning on the bottom.
All of it occurs in broad daylight.
SPVM spokesperson Véronique Dubuc says a 16-year-old boy was arrested Thursday afternoon and has been charged with mischief, theft and arson.
The teen will meet with investigators who will determine if he’ll face hate crime costs.
B’nai Brith Canada’s regional director Henry Topas referred to as the video stunning.
“It was a disgusting act that was done. It’s done by a young person who evidently was not properly raised or educated,” stated Topas, who can also be the cantor at Beth Tikvah Synagogue in Dollard.
He provides extra schooling is required for younger individuals.
“Instead of searching for good quality education and history that explains people not to get involved in antisemitism, anti-racial acts, things of that nature, kids will turn to whatever they find on the dark side of the internet.”
In an electronic mail to Global News, Glen Eisenberg, the interim director of the Hebrew Foundation School, says partly the SPVM and Dollard safety will improve their presence across the faculty. Volunteers can even be deployed in massive numbers round Jewish establishments throughout the town. He additionally ensured the coed’s safety and well-being are of the utmost significance.
“The police have been spectacular. The hate crimes unit, the local police at Station 4 – tremendous support,” stated Topas.
“Tremendous support from Dollard security and mayor Alex Bottausci. We are overwhelmed with the community support,” he added.
Sameer Zuberi, Liberal MP for Pierrefonds-Dollard, additionally denounced the act on Facebook. He wrote partly that he stands in solidarity with the Jewish neighborhood in opposition to these heinous acts.
The SPVM says the matter is an ongoing investigation.
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