Ex-Chasidic couple sue Quebec over lack of education
Yohanan and Shifra Lowen filed the lawsuit five years ago, claiming the province and school system didn't ensure they were properly educated
A former Orthodox Jewish couple is suing Quebec province and school system for not making sure they received a complete education.
The trial, which is the long-awaited culmination of Yohanan and Shifra Lowen (pictured) filing their lawsuit five years ago, opened on Monday in Quebec Superior Court and is expected to last about two weeks.
They are not seeking financial compensation or damage but rather a declaratory judgement to force Quebec to increase its oversight in religious schools to make sure pupils learn the provisional curriculum.
Prosecutors argue the pair “finished their high school education without knowing about the St Lawrence River or the theory of evolution”, but lawyers for the province and the Chasidic community sect in which they grew said problems with the students’ education had been addressed.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
