WASHINGTON — Rep. Josh Gottheimer, who represents much of Bergen County, joined the Congressional Jewish Caucus in condemning a suspected arson attack that destroyed a popular kosher restaurant in Montreal over the weekend.

Montreal police are investigating Saturday's fire at Nöam, a kosher Mediterranean and Italian restaurant that opened in 2024, as a possible arson after witnesses and surveillance footage indicated a person was seen leaving the scene shortly after the blaze began. No injuries were reported, and no arrests have been announced.

The Congressional Jewish Caucus, which includes Gottheimer, called the attack "disgusted and outraged."

"We are disgusted and outraged to see yet another heinous attack on a Jewish-owned business, this time an overnight, apparent arson attack that destroyed a beloved kosher restaurant in Montreal," the lawmakers said. "We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community of Montreal and all of Canada."

The caucus added: "As antisemitism is increasingly normalized, violence and other attacks against Jews and Jewish institutions continue to escalate around the world. This is a moment of crisis that requires all people of good conscience to speak up and condemn hate."

Police said the fire broke out around 3:15 a.m. Saturday on Décarie Boulevard. About 80 firefighters responded, but the two-story restaurant was gutted before the blaze was extinguished. Authorities have transferred the investigation to the Montreal police arson squad after reports that a suspect was seen fleeing the area.

Investigators have not determined a motive, and police said they are examining whether the fire could constitute a hate crime.

Gottheimer, whose 5th Congressional District includes many of Bergen County's largest Jewish communities, was among the members of Congress who signed the caucus statement condemning the attack.