Toronto Restaurant Target of Gun Fire During Passover 

IFCJ Canada  |  April 10, 2026

On April 3, police were called to the Old Avenue Restaurant after it was targeted by gun violence as Passover observances had begun. A Brampton resident was charged in connection with the incident, CBC News reports. 

The Canadian Jewish News reported the following: 

 
Bakinka, who had declined media interviews including requests from The CJN, expressed gratitude on behalf of the restaurant for the community’s support in a statement attributed to Old Avenue’s owners posted online April 5. In the statement Bakinka wrote that the two “deeply disturbing acts of violence” on March 2 and April 3 had followed a pattern that began more than two years ago. 

“Since October 7th, we have been subjected to so much hate, glass windows broken, Google reviews attacked, threatening phone calls and etc, but never anything like this. This is another level of hate,” read the statement. “As a business owner, a member of this community, and someone who has worked hard to build welcoming spaces where people gather, celebrate Israel and our Yidishkite, and feel at home, this has been profoundly shocking and painful. No one should have to experience this.” 

Bakinka thanked a number of elected officials and community leaders, adding that “most of all” she wished to thank “the neighbours, customers, faith leaders, and supporters who have stood by us with messages of love, strength, and solidarity. Your support has carried us through some very dark days, and I will never forget it.” 

We continue to pray for the Jewish community in Canada, and for Jewish communities around the world, asking God to keep them safe and bring an end anti-Semitism.