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Toronto (August 12, 2025) – Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) welcomes news that a suspect has been arrested and charged in connection with last week’s vicious assault of a Jewish man in Montreal, and is calling for full accountability to be ensured.

Sergio Yanes Preciado, 23, has been charged with one count of assault causing bodily harm following Friday’s attack on a 32-year-old Jewish father, who was repeatedly struck in front of his three children, after which the assailant tossed the victim’s kippah into a splash pad. The victim suffered bruises and a broken nose.

A video recording of the assault sparked widespread condemnation from Canada's Jewish community and political leaders at all levels of government. At this time, Montreal police have not classified the incident as a hate crime.

Preciado is scheduled to appear in court tomorrow for a bail hearing. The Crown has previously objected to his release.

“This is a stark wake-up call to our leaders that Jews are not safe in their own communities,” said FSWC President and CEO Michael Levitt. “A Jewish father was brutally attacked in broad daylight, in front of his children, in a public park where every resident has the right to feel safe. Jewish Canadians are facing an unprecedented wave of targeted crimes – from physical violence and verbal and online threats to hate-fuelled vandalism – yet too often, the consequences are minimal. This must end. Justice must be served to the fullest extent, and those who commit these heinous acts of hate must be held fully accountable. Only decisive action, meaningful legal reforms and unwavering enforcement will ensure our community’s safety.”