Quebec Government Revokes Licenses of Three Belz Hasidic Schools Over Regulatory Failures

Just before the start of the Elul period, the Quebec government in Canada revoked the operating licenses of three Belz Hasidic educational institutions in Montreal, including kindergartens, a Talmud Torah, and a small yeshiva, collectively serving 600 students. Authorities cited multiple violations uncovered during ministry inspections, such as a shortage of qualified teachers fluent in English and French, failure to meet mandatory instructional hours in core subjects, use of unapproved teaching materials, and deficiencies in emergency exits. Surprise inspections also found students in prayer halls during class hours, classrooms without teachers present, and staff members who did not speak either official language.

While the girls' educational frameworks continue to operate normally under supervision, the institutions' management strongly denies all allegations and has filed for an injunction in Quebec's administrative court. They argue the decision is based on "incorrect factual assumptions, inconsistent analysis, and a disproportionate measure." The schools have been under the Ministry of Education's scrutiny since 2007. A 2024-2025 report from the Advisory Committee on Private Education revealed that despite extended deadlines granted since a 2009 agreement to address deficiencies, the institutions only received short-term license renewals due to ongoing non-compliance with standards.