Vandalism and Gunfire Target Jewish-Owned Bakery Chain
AI-generated image · Bay Street Wire
Toronto police are investigating targeted attacks on two bakery locations, sparking condemnation from city officials and community leaders.
Two locations of a Jewish-owned bakery chain were vandalized Sunday morning, prompting Toronto police to investigate, according to reporting from Global News Toronto and CBC Toronto.
Officers responded to a call at approximately 8:12 a.m. at Kiva’s Bagel Bar, located at Yonge Street and St. Clair Avenue West, where a window was struck by gunfire. A second report followed at about 8:30 a.m. regarding a broken window at a Kiva’s location near Bathurst Street and Steeles Avenue West; however, police found no evidence that a firearm was used at that site. Duty Insp. Scott Bradbury confirmed there were no reported injuries.
Members of the Toronto police hate crime unit and the guns and gangs unit are leading the investigation. While the businesses belong to the same chain, Bradbury stated it is not yet clear if the two incidents are connected.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow described the targeted attacks as "vile" and "unacceptable," stating she stands with the city's Jewish community against antisemitism. Noah Shack, CEO of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, said the incidents "shattered" the community's sense of peace and urged government officials to ensure law enforcement is adequately resourced. Adam Minsky, president of the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, noted that residents were "incredibly shaken," adding that the events follow a pattern of shootings in the city this year.