The Quebec government has revoked the operating licenses of three Belz educational institutions in Montreal: a kindergarten, Talmud Torah, and yeshiva ketana, serving approximately 600 students, shortly before the start of Elul zman.
Authorities said the decision followed a series of educational and safety deficiencies identified during inspections. Among the issues cited were a shortage of qualified teachers who speak English or French, failure to meet required instructional hours in mandatory subjects, use of unapproved educational materials and deficiencies involving emergency exits.
Surprise inspections also reportedly found students spending school hours in areas used for davening, classrooms without teachers and staff members who spoke neither French nor English. The girls’ educational institutions are continuing to operate normally but remain under supervision.
The institutions reject the allegations and have sought an injunction from Quebec’s administrative court, arguing that the decision was based on “incorrect factual assumptions, inconsistent analysis and a disproportionate measure.”
(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
6 Responses
The heck with the Frenchies YMSH.
Very weird, as they were the ones which initially caved and compromised on authentic Yiddish Chinuch . .
Is it coming back to haunt them?
The Quebec Provincial government authorities (Especially the bureaucrats) are known for their narrow-scoped nationalism. Particularly if French is not spoken throughout the business or educational institution. Even though English is one of the official languages throughout Canada. But their narrow-minded & harmful nationalism colors all their actions. As has happened many times in the past. Including inspectors pulling from the shelves of Kosher groceries some Passover products imported from the US. For not having a description of the items in French. Only in English. An junction by the Court saved the owners from a multi-Million Dollars financial loss. Due to the fact that those were highly seasonal items. The Kosher Grocery store owners also had to sign an agreement of future compliance with this rule. We hope that the Belz institutions will succeed in refuting all the charges. & correcting the safety violations.
I speak both English & French & am available to teach in their school if this helps them at all.
But since I don’t speak Jiddisch but do observe יום-העצמאות, they shall probably squander the opportunity of hiring me, notwithstanding that this could save their entire institution.
Dear Belz Representatives, It is with a heavy heart that I receive your concerns about being revoked of your licenses to teach Chinuch courses to your Yidden, primarily, the boys. This is not an easy situation to be in. I know you are seeking an court appeal of the situation you find yourselves in. That’s a good start. I will pray for you. I know H”M through H-s many Rabbis and Yidden speak often if the importance of a Torah education. Do give up.
Do not, I repeat, do not give up! There is always a Neis for situations such as yours.