A Jewish-owned deli in Toronto, Canada has been targeted in a suspected arson attack.
A fire was discovered at International Deli Foods (IDF), which has been in the area for two decades, at around 6am on Wednesday morning.
The deli’s windows were also smashed, and “Free Palestine” graffiti was sprayed on the rear doors of the premises. 
Firefighters attended the blaze whilst police have launched an investigation and are treating the incident as a hate crime.
Pauline Gray, spokesperson for the Toronto Police Service, called the incident a “violent” and “targeted” criminal act.
She added: “We will leave no stone unturned. We will use all the resources available to us to investigate, arrest and prosecute who is responsible for this.”
Deputy Mayor of Toronto Mike Colle said he was shocked at what he considered a “targeted attack on a Jewish-owned business”.
“It is frightening to see that this is happening in Toronto,” he added.
The owner of IDF told CBC Toronto he believed the vandalism was an act of antisemitism.
The United Jewish Appeal of Greater Toronto (UJA) shared their concern at the “hate-motivated arson”. They also encouraged all residents to stand against antisemitism in the city.
“Support your Jewish friends and neighbours,” they stated. “We belong here and we have a right to live in safety”.
It comes after Toronto police chief Myron Demkiw revealed that antisemitism now made up a majority of all reported hate crimes in the city.
Since October 7, 53 per cent of reported hate crimes in Toronto have been linked to antisemitism.