There were numerous reactions from patients and employees of the Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital to the urgings of hospital authorities to comply with certain customs during the Passover period which just ended. The controversy arose over the invitation extended by hospital officials to patients and employees to respect certain practices associated with the religious holiday, some of which included handling and consumption of food.

To ensure that the practices were adhered to, a rabbi checked into what the patients of the public health facility had on their dinner plates.

Although the patients interviewed by Courrier Laval at the hospital were somewhat divided in their opinions concerning the issue, two union representatives said very few complaints were received from employees.

“We learned through the media that a physician had lodged a complaint, and that came as a shock,” said Nicole Gagnon, president of the hospital’s union of non-professionals.

“All employees hired at the hospital are informed about the traditions they are expected to respect. Personally, I’ve been working here eight years and Passover has always unfolded this way. We’ll be meeting our members but so far no one has complained,” Mrs. Gagnon specified.

Mrs. Gagnon notes that Passover is not the only time during which employees are requested to conform to Jewish traditions at the health facility.

At the ‘Alliance du personnel professionnel et technique de la santé et des services sociaux’ (APTS), there was surprise over the media attention given to the situation.

“None of our members expressed objection concerning the customs to be respected,” stated Geneviève Breton, the union’s vice-president.

“We can’t take a stand against this incitement if no one complains. From my personal point of view, I would even say that the rules have been really softened in the last few years. The administration is well aware of the impact of Jewish traditions on its clientele and I don’t believe they would exaggerate their requests”, Mrs.Breton explained.

CL