York Regional Police’s hate crime prevention unit is searching for two suspects who allegedly broke into the office of a kosher restaurant business in Markham last weekend, vandalized the property, and left antisemitic graffiti behind.
The incident happened at around 2:40 a.m. on Jan. 10 at a commercial unit near Yonge Street and Doncaster Avenue, north of Steeles Avenue.
Police said the vandalism caused “significant damage” to the property.
They have not identified the site of the vandalism publicly. However, in separate statements the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) for Holocaust Studies and the United Jewish Appeal (UJA) Federation have both said it was an office for the kosher restaurant business La Briut, which is located at 34 Doncaster Ave.
The organizations added that on Monday evening La Briut’s restaurant near Dufferin Street and Steeles Avenue West was also broken into. Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center said the front door of that establishment was shattered and property was stolen.
A media officer from Toronto Police Service confirmed to CP24.com that they are investigating a break-and-enter at a business in the area of Alness Street and Steeles Avenue West. The spokesperson noted that there “were no signs of graffiti or antisemitic messaging” in that incident.
York Regional Police have told CP24 that investigators are aware of the Toronto incident and are exploring if it could be connected to the one in Markham.
Speaking to the media following an unrelated news conference on Tuesday, YRP Police Chief Jim McSween said what occurred in Markham is a “really troubling incident for the community.”
“We really are appealing to the community for anybody that may know something, or have seen something or have heard something to reach out and let us know,” he said. “We’ve put a lot of resources into (this investigation.)”
McSween added that police believe a vehicle was involved in the Jan. 10 incident, however they can’t say at this point what type it is.
He also said that YRP is aware of other possibly related incidents in the GTA, adding they “will continue to work with other investigators to find out if there’s anything consistent between Toronto, us, Peel and anywhere else.”
“At this point, we can’t say that there’s any link at all and we don’t believe there is at this point within the last couple of incidents we’ve seen, but we’ll continue to investigate and appeal to for anybody who can help us out,” McSween said.
Jewish organizations speak out
Jaime Kirzner-Roberts, FSWC’s senior director of policy and advocacy, called the Markham incident an “appalling attack on a Jewish-owned business” and a “stark reminder of the persistent and troubling rise in antisemitism in our society.”
“It’s deeply disheartening that, in 2025, members of the Jewish community still face such vile and targeted hate crimes. No one should have to live in fear for their safety or endure harassment and intimidation because of their faith or identity,” she said.
“We must come together as a society to reject this kind of hatred and ensure that those who perpetrate these despicable acts are held accountable.”
United Jewish Appeal Federation is also speaking out, noting that the incidents amount to “antisemitic attacks on La Briut.”
“These incidents, involving graffiti, vandalism, and a break-in, occurred at two locations: Doncaster Avenue in Markham and Alness Road in North York. While no injuries were reported, the property damage is significant,” UJAF Chief Development Officer Sara Lefton said in a release.
“As a community, we stand united against hate and will not be deterred by those who seek to instill fear.”
Lefton said the Jewish Security Network, an independent agency dedicated to the security needs of the Greater Toronto Jewish community, is providing support to La Briut and coordinating with police.
The organization is also reminding the Jewish community of the “importance of healthy vigilance and rapidly reporting any suspicious activity, hate crimes, or security concerns.”
“Community institutions and identifiably Jewish businesses are advised to ensure security measures are in place, up-to-date and fully operating—inclusive of door locks, alarm systems, panic buttons, and security cameras,” UJA Federation said in a release.