Jewish woman stabbed by anti-Semitic sympathiser in Ottawa, Canada PM Mark Carney condemns attack

A man with an anti-Semitic history allegedly stabbed an elderly Jewish woman at a grocery store in Canada’s capital city of Ottawa. The accused has been arrested and charged with aggravated assault and possession of a dangerous weapon.

According to a statement from the Ottawa Police Service (OPS), the victim was shopping with a friend in a store that had a large Kosher section when a man approached and stabbed her. OPS later clarified on Thursday that the victim and suspect were not acquainted.

Store employees rushed to help the injured woman before paramedics transported her to the hospital. She was later released after receiving medical treatment.

The suspect, identified by the Ottawa Citizen as 71-year-old Cornwall resident Joseph Rooke, was arrested at the scene by OPS officers. He now faces charges of aggravated assault and possession of a dangerous weapon.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney reacted sharply to the crime, condemning the act as a “senseless attack,” and assuring the country’s Jewish community of their safety.

“The senseless attack on a Jewish woman in an Ottawa grocery store this week is deeply disturbing. My thoughts are with her, her family, and Ottawa’s Jewish community, and my support is with law enforcement as they work to swiftly bring the perpetrator to justice,” Carney tweeted.

“To Canada’s Jewish community: you are not alone. We stand with you against hate and threats to your safety, and we will act to confront antisemitism wherever it appears,” he added.

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