CIJA Responds to Assault at Ottawa Grocery Store

Ottawa, ON – August 28, 2025 – Today, Ottawa Police published a statement confirming the investigation into a stabbing that occurred at a grocery store.  

In response, Josh Landau, Director of Government Relations, Ontario, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs issued the following statement: 

"The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) is deeply troubled by the violent, unprovoked stabbing inside an Ottawa grocery store that houses the city’s most well-known kosher food section and has been the repeated target of anti-Israel protests. The victim, a valued member of the Ottawa Jewish community, should have been safe to go about their day.  

"We are grateful for the quick action of emergency responders, including the Ottawa Police Service, who quickly arrested and charged the suspect. Detectives continue to investigate all aspects of this case including potential motive, with support from the Hate and Bias Crime Unit. 

"While the motivation behind this unprovoked assault has not yet been determined, we cannot ignore the broader context in Ottawa. Anti-Jewish hate, antisemitism, and violence have been normalized since the abhorrent attack on October 7. Jewish institutions, businesses, and community members have been increasingly singled out by extremists. Acts of violence and intimidation directed at Jewish spaces are not only attacks on Jews, but an attack on safety for all. 

"We are in close contact with the Ottawa Police Service as well as the Jewish Federation of Ottawa. We’ll be working together as we all monitor this situation."   

-30- 

Additional information: Update: Assault at Ottawa Grocery Store