Less than 24 hours after an attempted arson attack damaged Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom, congregants were once again filing through the doors of the Westmount synagogue for Friday evening services.
Among them was Kat Romanow, who arrived with her husband and four-year-old son.
“As soon as I heard what happened today, I was definitely shaken,” Romanow said in an interview with The Gazette.
A 38-year-old Montreal man faces six charges including arson, arson by negligence and possession of an explosive, in connection with the overnight incident. Steven Luu appeared in court on Friday and was ordered detained until a hearing on Monday. The Crown has also requested that he undergo a mental-health evaluation.
Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada and Prime Minister Mark Carney were among those who condemned the incident, describing antisemitism as having no place in Montreal.
For Romanow, however, there was little question about whether her family would attend services that evening.
“Of course there is a part of me that’s nervous,” she said. “But almost immediately there was another part of me that said ‘We have to go tonight.’”
Romanow has attended Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom since 2016. A convert to Judaism, she said the congregation has become a central part of her family’s life.
“My family and I come here regularly,” she said. “It’s a very welcoming congregation. You’re made to feel comfortable as soon as you walk in.”
She said she has noticed what she believes is a significant rise in antisemitism in recent years.
“It feels undeniable to myself and to friends and family that there has been a very significant rise,” Romanow said.
Outside the synagogue, police vehicles and additional security were visible as congregants arrived. Romanow said security has long been part of attending services, though the presence was noticeably heightened Friday evening.
“We’re used to seeing security when we come to temple,” she said. “It’s shocking that that’s necessary.”
Temple executive director Chad Lubelsky said synagogue leaders spent much of Friday communicating with congregants and arranging additional security measures ahead of the evening service.
Lubelsky said one of the defining characteristics of the congregation is its commitment to remaining engaged with the broader community.
“We were founded with the express intention of bridge-building and being part of a larger community,” he said.
Despite the attack, he said, congregants continued to arrive for services.
“One of the things that I’ve learned working at the synagogue is the resilience of the congregation,” Lubelsky said. “People still want to come.”
For Romanow, Friday night’s service was ultimately about something simple: being present.
“We’re here for our family, for our community,” she said. “Celebrating and coming together and finding joy together.”
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