Just weeks before the start of the Elul zeman, Quebec authorities are seeking to revoke funding for three Belzer educational institutions in Montreal, citing what they describe as serious educational and safety deficiencies. The schools, which include a preschool, a Talmud Torah, and a yeshiva ketanah, serve approximately 600 students.

According to provincial officials, the move follows inspections that uncovered multiple alleged violations, including a shortage of certified teachers fluent in English and French, failure to provide the required instructional hours in core academic subjects, the use of unapproved educational materials, and deficiencies related to emergency exits.

The inspections also reportedly found students spending school hours in prayer halls, classrooms operating without teachers, and staff members who did not speak either French or English. Educational programs for girls continue to operate normally but remain under government supervision.

Administrators of the schools have strongly rejected the allegations and have appealed to Quebec’s Administrative Tribunal, seeking an injunction to block the funding cuts. School officials argue that the government’s decision is based on “erroneous factual assumptions, inconsistent analysis and a disproportionate measure.”

Canadian reports indicate that the institutions have been under scrutiny by Quebec’s Ministry of Education since 2007. A report issued by the Advisory Committee on Private Education for 2024–2025 stated that the schools were granted repeated extensions to address deficiencies dating back to an agreement reached in 2009. However, according to the report, they continued to receive only short-term license renewals because they failed to meet the required standards.