Montreal police received multiple 911 calls around 4:40 p.m. on Friday as the Jewish Sabbath approached. Reports indicated a man dressed in a long white robe and a keffiyeh-style headscarf was threatening individuals on a residential street in the Saint-Laurent borough. In a video of the incident, the man can be heard shouting, "We will kill you all," directed at a visibly Jewish man. Another clip circulating on social media shows him yelling at someone wearing a kippah, saying, "We will f—ing kill you, OK you f—ing pig."

A second video captures him pointing to the sky, proclaiming, "I’m just waiting for the order of the king … There is one king — Allah." The alarming footage highlighted the fear experienced by local residents, who did not retaliate or respond angrily during the confrontation.

Police quickly apprehended a 28-year-old suspect, who remains in custody pending a court appearance. The case has been handed over to the Montreal police hate crimes unit, and charges are expected based on the videos. Sources indicate that the suspect does not reside in Saint-Laurent but may attend a mosque in the area. This detail raises concerns about escalating tensions in a neighborhood where Jewish and Muslim families coexist.

Saint-Laurent Mayor Alan DeSousa faces the challenge of preventing external conflicts from affecting his community. He has actively promoted harmony between Jewish and Muslim residents, but Friday's incident has heightened the urgency of his efforts. In response, he ordered increased visibility from local security patrols and secured commitments from the Montreal police to enhance their presence in the area.

DeSousa plans to meet with Jewish community leaders to convey a strong message of support, stating, "We’ve got their backs." Since October 7, the borough has bolstered security around both Jewish and Muslim institutions. The mayor emphasized that coexistence is non-negotiable, declaring, "No hate or even disrespect will be tolerated."

However, DeSousa acknowledges that the borough cannot tackle this issue alone. He is urging higher levels of government to take more proactive measures against hate and intimidation. He has reached out to Montreal’s mayor and provincial and federal leaders, stressing the need for public acknowledgment of these threats.

DeSousa remarked, "The Jewish community has to feel safe in the community." The arrest on Friday reflects a broader trend of intimidation that has emerged in Montreal and beyond. While swift police action prevented further escalation in this instance, the fear among Jewish residents remains palpable, especially following recent incidents of violence and harassment. The community's concerns are unlikely to dissipate quickly.