Boy, 16, arrested after Israeli flag burned outside Montreal-area school
Montreal police say they have arrested a 16-year-old boy in connection with Israeli flags that were ripped down and set on fire outside a Jewish elementary school in a West Island suburb.
The flags were installed on the fences of the Hebrew Foundation School in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, as the community marked Israel’s Independence Day.
A video was later posted on social media of a man ripping down and then setting the flags on fire with the caption, "I am not afraid of any Yehudis, and I do not care about any 'promises.'" Yehudi means 'Jew' in Hebrew. It is the only post on the account.
Police say investigators from the hate crimes unit arrested the boy on Thursday, on suspicion of mischief, theft and arson. He is currently meeting with investigators. Police say others arrests could be made.
Police beefed up security in the area, and the school released a statement saying it always has security at the school.
Though Montreal police said it's too early to determine if the incident was motivated by hate, police say they want to send a message that they take these types of incidents seriously.
Hank Topas, the Quebec regional director of B'Nai Brith Canada said the organization hopes this was an isolated incident.
"I pray it's an isolated incident. Generally, if someone has the temerity to do this horrendous act and video themselves doing it and expose their faces while they’re doing it, I presume it’s not an organized incident," said Topas.
The person who posted the video online later added some comments on their Instagram Stories, calling the Israeli flag a "sign of oppression and tyranny."
"We have nothing against the Jews, the Jews are our brothers in religion, but we don't like the Zionists," they wrote.
Sameer Zuberi, the MP for Pierrefonds-Dollard, called the flag-burning video "shocking and abhorrent" in a post on Twitter.
"Hate, intolerance and antisemitism have absolutely no place in our community or country," he said, adding the "person who did this must be held to account."
Police are asking anyone with information about the event to call the neighbourhood station at 514-280-0104, or reach out to Info-Crime Montreal anonymously at 514-393-1133 or via infocrimemontreal.ca.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Immoral depravity': Two men convicted in case of frozen migrant family in Manitoba
A jury has found two men guilty on human smuggling charges in a case where a family from India froze to death in Manitoba while trying to walk across the Canada-U.S. border.
Canada's tax relief plan: Who gets a cheque?
The Canadian government has unveiled its plans for a sweeping GST/HST pause on select items during the holiday period. The day after the announcement, questions remain on how the whole thing will work.
Quebec man, 81, gets prison sentence after admitting to killing wife with Alzheimer's disease
An 81-year-old Quebec man has been sentenced to prison after admitting to killing his wife with Alzheimer's disease.
Canada issues travel warning after 6 people die from tainted alcohol in Laos
The Canadian government is warning travellers following the deaths of at least six people in the mass poisoning of foreign tourists in Laos after drinking tainted alcohol.
Pat King found guilty of mischief for role in 'Freedom Convoy'
Pat King, one of the most prominent figures of the 2022 'Freedom Convoy' in Ottawa, has been found guilty on five counts including mischief and disobeying a court order.
Ground beef tied to U.S. E. coli recall, illnesses wasn't sold in Canada: distributor
At least 15 people have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a recall of potentially tainted ground beef, U.S. federal health officials said. The company tells CTVNews.ca it was not sold in Canada.
Canada's new income tax brackets in 2025: What you need to know
The Canada Revenue Agency has released updated federal income tax brackets for 2025, reflecting adjustments for inflation. Here’s the breakdown.
Measles outbreak: Canada sees highest number of cases in past nine years
Thirty new measles cases were reported this week in Canada, bringing the total number in Canada to 130 in 2024.
Food prices continue to outpace inflation in Canada
For the second straight month, grocery prices in Canada rose faster than the inflation rate, and beef in particular is significantly pricier than it was last year.