Toronto police investigate attacks on Jewish bakery chain after gunfire and vandalism

Toronto police are investigating suspected antisemitic attacks after two branches of a Jewish-owned bakery chain were damaged in separate incidents on Sunday morning.

One branch of Kiva’s Bagel Bar was hit by gunfire, while another had its front window smashed. Police said there is no evidence shots were fired at the second shop, but are investigating whether the two attacks are connected.

No one was injured.

The Toronto Police Service’s Hate Crime Unit is leading the investigation.

In a statement posted on X, police said: “At this time, investigators are examining whether the incidents are connected and working to identify those responsible.”

Duty Inspector Scott Bradbury said officers recognised the concern the attacks had caused.

“We understand that this is concerning for those that work and live in this area, especially members of the Jewish community, and we have all the resources available to thoroughly investigate this matter,” he said.

People living nearby said they were shocked that a popular local bakery had been targeted.

Marjan Mekis, who told local broadcaster CTV he visits the bakery every day, said: “It feels very personal to me. I could have been in there, or anybody in this neighbourhood. It could have been daytime as opposed to nighttime. Thank God no one was in there. But still, what does that do? Shooting a bullet into a bakery because you don’t like the fact that they happen to be Jewish.”

He added: “It doesn’t matter what God you pray to and what your religion is. It’s not right.”

Another resident told CTV: “We live near the neighbourhood, and this is where we come for our food, and we feel threatened and unsafe,” adding that she believed the local community was being targeted.

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) urged anyone with information to contact Toronto Police and said the attacks came amid “a broader rise in violent extremism across Canada and other Western democracies.”

It added: “Our leaders must be unequivocal: nothing justifies attacks on Canadians. They must also ensure police and security agencies have the resources they need to protect our communities and keep Canadians safe.”

B’nai Brith Canada said the attacks appeared to be part of “a relentless and escalating campaign of antisemitic intimidation” targeting Jewish schools, synagogues, community institutions, businesses and families across Canada.

Vince Gasparro, the Canadian MP for Eglinton-Lawrence and parliamentary secretary to the secretary of state for combating crime, said he had known the owners of Kiva’s for years.

“They don’t deserve this. Toronto Police will have every resource needed to bring those responsible to justice,” he said, encouraging residents to support the bakery when it reopens.

Founded in 1979, Kiva’s operates three kosher bakery shops across Toronto.

The attacks come as concern continues to grow over antisemitism in Canada.

Last month, two people were killed in a shooting in Montreal, including an Israeli citizen who was widely described as a respected member of the city’s Jewish community.

Earlier this year, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada was “failing” Jewish Canadians as he announced extra funding to improve security at places of worship. He said Jewish people had been targeted by shootings, attacks on community buildings and other hate crimes.

Police have made no arrests and are continuing their investigation.