Herzog speaks with Jewish man assaulted in front of children in Montreal

President Isaac Herzog speaks with the Jewish Canadian father who was assaulted in front of his two children in Montreal earlier this week, sending him “strength and comfort” following the “antisemitic attack,” Herzog’s office says in a statement.

“We saw the horrific attack, and I want to send you, and your family, your beautiful children, strength and comfort,” Herzog told the victim, whose name has not been publicized.

In a widely circulated video of the attack — condemned by Israeli and Canadian officials and now under investigation by Canadian police — an assailant is seen repeatedly beating the victim, dressed in ultra-Orthodox attire, as he clutches his two young daughters.

“We are with you and we are here for you. The whole Jewish people stands with you,” he added, before inviting the father and his family to visit Herzog at his Jerusalem residence “in the near future.”

In response, the 32-year-old victim “thanked the president and told him of the attack and the aftermath,” Herzog’s office adds.

Also present in the call was Yair Szlak, head of the Montreal Jewish Federation, according to the statement.