Firebombing of Jewish-owned North York deli likely fuelled by hate

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The targeting of a Jewish-owned deli in North York in a suspected hate-motivated arson early Wednesday has sparked outrage across the city.

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Toronto Police say flames erupted inside International Delicatessen Foods – located at 2777 Steeles Ave. W., east of Keele St. – around 6 a.m. and firefighters quickly doused the blaze.

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Responding officers also located graffiti on the outside of the building; “free Palestine” was spray-painted in large black letters on a rear window.

Staff-Supt. Pauline Gray, who spoke at the scene Wednesday evening called the incident “a tipping point.” She noted the Hate Crime Unit is investigating the arson.

“This is not graffiti on a bus shelter. This is not a lawful protest protected by a constitutional right. This is a criminal act,” the veteran investigator said, calling the incident violent, targeted and organized.

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She assured that police do not take this crime lightly.

“We will leave no stone unturned,” Gray said. “We will use all of the resources available to us to investigate, arrest and prosecute who is responsible for this.”

A slew of Toronto Police, Toronto Fire and Ontario Fire Marshal vehicles and personnel remained at the scene into the evening. But few details were immediately revealed by cops.

Toronto Councillor Mike Colle was noticeably upset and didn’t mince words as he called the incident a “firebombing” in a video he posted on Facebook.

“This is the kind of madness that is going on in the city,” Colle said, as he recorded footage of the aftermath. “These pro-Hamas terrorist individuals are undertaking acts of violence here in Toronto.”

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Colle’s video showed the front doors of the deli held open with yellow crime scene tape and debris just inside the entrance.

The market’s initials, IDF, in large red lettering also can be seen about the front entrance — coincidentally, the same initials used to refer to the Israeli Defence Force.

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The deli is reportedly owned by a family of Russian Jews.

And media using a drone spotted investigators carrying gas cans found on the rooftop.

“A disgusting turn of events here, targeting businesses and perpetrating acts of hate,” said Colle, who urged “everybody to be very careful in Toronto.”

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Fellow Councillor James Pasternak, who represents the area, took to social media, saying he was shocked and appalled by “the attack.”

“This is a hate-motivated attack on a Jewish-owned business,” he posted on X. “Its links to the anti-Israel mob are confirmed with graffiti on the wall. This escalation of lawlessness in #Toronto must come to an end.”

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And Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca called the fire just south of his city a “horrible, anti-Semitic attack.”

“The increasing frequency of these brazen, hateful acts in different parts of the GTA is completely unacceptable and must stop,” he wrote on X.

“Leaders at all levels of government have a responsibility to speak out forcefully, and take action, against the increasing intolerance targeting Jewish-owned businesses and predominantly Jewish neighbourhoods that we are witnessing on a regular basis,” Del Duca added.

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Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow released a statement Wednesday evening, saying such incidents “leave people feeling shaken” and “diminish our sense of safety and belonging.”

“All residents of Toronto deserve to be safe and feel safe,” she said. “As mayor, let me be clear: acts of anti-Semitism, hate and violence are not welcome here.”

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Gray said this “ongoing” investigation will be conducted in consultation with the Ministry of the Attorney General and with the assistance of the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office.

Investigators are asking anyone with information to call 416-808-3100.

[email protected]

@sundoucette

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