Photo: Pascal Dumont / Outremont Hassid

Montreal Borough Outlaws Purim Tradition

Chasidic Jews in the Montreal borough of Outremont are left wondering whether they will be able to celebrate Purim as usual this year, after the borough began to enforce an ordinance banning a cherished Purim tradition.

From the JTA:

Hasidic Jews in a tony Montreal borough could be penalized again on Purim for driving through its streets on buses and having kids hand out traditional holiday treats.

Since 2013, police in Outremont have slapped tickets totaling hundreds of dollars on the bus company hired by the Hasidim for breaking a borough ordinance barring buses on residential streets.

Human rights activists say the bylaw violates Canadian human rights charters and deliberately targets Hasidic Jews.

Although on the borough’s books since 2003, the ordinance was first enforced three years ago. The bylaw has an exemption for “special events,” but the municipality has refused to grant it to Hasidim, adding to long-existing tensions with Outremont’s French-speaking majority.

Click here to continue reading at the JTA.

6 Comments

  • Simcha

    blatant anti-semitism!!! You should be ashamed the city of Montreal!!! Why do you allow kids going to door to door on Halloween and asking for candy. This is disturbing the peace. Get your act together Montreal and give freedom of religion to everyone regardless if they are jews, christians, mormons etc.

  • sorry

    It might be bec. people stop in middle of the street blocking traffic without finding proper parking . everyone thinks it’s just a minute to give out shaloch manos I can block the street. times that by many it’s frustrating to try to drive in montreal on purim.