Firebombing of deli ‘tipping point’ in city’s growing anti-Semitism problem

Torontosun.com
Jan. 9, 2024
Jack Boland

Branding the attack an act of terrorism, two Toronto councillors described the firebombing of a Jewish-owned deli in the city’s north end as the “tipping point” in the escalation of anti-Semitism in Toronto.

Councillors Mike Colle and James Pasternak on Monday stood outside the shuttered International Deli Foods store -- on Steeles Ave., just east of Keele St. -- asking for the provincial and federal governments to recognize the firebombing as “terrorism.”

“As far as James (Pasternak) and I am concerned, this crossed the line,” said Colle. “When you are basically trying to send a message of intimidation to every Jewish person that owns a business in Toronto.

“What does this proprietor have to do with what is going on in the Middle East?” said Colle.

Colle, with Pasternak nodding in agreement, called for the senior levels of government to “update some of the very feeble laws that are on the books federally and provincially” to deal with hate-motivated crimes.

On Jan. 3, smoke billowed from the business as Toronto Fire crews arrived at the deli to fight the blaze at around 6 a.m.

Television drone footage showed fire investigators removing three large red gas containers that were positioned on the roof that day.

The words “Free Palestine” had been spray-painted on the rear entrance doors to the store, which, on Monday, were faded but still visible even though they had been painted over.

Through the front door, police tape could be seen on the drenched front foyer floor. The deli’s sprinkler system helped douse the blaze, but it ruined the produce, merchandise and inner structure of the store, said Colle.

The owner -- a Jewish man of Russian background -- is in seclusion, fearing he and his family may be targeted again, said the councillors.

Colle said he has spoken personally with the owner who wants to know, “Why did they do this to me?”

Pasternak questioned what small retail outlets have to do with the war in Gaza.

“They have Jewish owners. They have nothing to do with conflicts in the Middles East.”

Toronto Police are currently investigating the firebombing.