Racist Attack in Canada: Turkish Family's Restaurant Set on Fire

The Pizza Mozza restaurant, owned by a Turkish family, was set on fire twice on August 31 and September 2. Berat Saymadi, one of the owners, stated in an interview with AA that they had no problems with the locals and had good relationships with everyone. He said, "We had no problems, we had good relationships with everyone. On the second night of the fire on September 2, the police came to our house. When I arrived, the shop was on fire. I was devastated to see that all the hard work of two years, the efforts of three siblings, the sacrifices we made for our family, friends, and children, turned to ashes. It was emotionally very difficult."

SECOND INCIDENT

Saymadi emphasized that they survived the first arson attack without major damage and said, "The shop was completely burned down in the second incident. We didn't take anything before that. It was purely arson. So, there are definitely people who set it on fire." Saymadi mentioned that the police investigation is ongoing and said, "They collected CCTV footage from all around. They talked to us. Later, they went to neighboring restaurants and our neighbors. The investigation is still ongoing and we are waiting. We don't know what happened. Something big could have happened here. It could have endangered the lives of everyone in the area."

COMPETITION OR ANTI-IMMIGRANT SENTIMENT?

Saymadi emphasized that they don't know if the arson was motivated by anti-immigrant sentiment or competition. He pointed out that fires are occasionally seen in restaurants in the area, but this incident concerns the whole community. He said, "I believe it is something that affects public health and restricts our coexistence. I want this to be clarified as soon as possible."