Community rallies to save JCC

MONTREAL — An online petition has been launched to try to stop the closure of Montreal's West Island Jewish Community Centre (WIJCC).

The YM-YWHA, of which the WIJCC is a branch, announced earlier this month that the facility in Pierrefonds will be shuttered as of Oct. 31 due to a decline in membership.

“We need to show them that this centre means more to us than just a few fitness classes or a place to send your kids,” reads the petition drawn up by some members. “It’s a family… There is no other place like it in the community.”

By Aug. 26, the petition had 115 signatures.

The opponents also note that the WIJCC is open to everyone, not only those who are Jewish.

“Ask anyone who has ever been a part of this community, young or old, Jewish or not, and you’ll get the same answer: this place is worth saving.”

Some signatories left messages.

Riva Dubrofsky of Dollard-des-Ormeaux wrote: “This is a family with strong ties to it and each other. You cannot cut us off like an appendage you no longer think is viable.”

“The Y is a potential meeting place for my young kids and I don’t want to lose that,” wrote Cara Potechin of Dollard.

Sanda Richstone, also of Dollard, stated: “The WIJCC is important! It is a facility that encourages community awareness and tolerance, much needed in our society at this point in our intolerant world. It is outreach for those not affiliated with a synagogue. It is for the future of our children and grandchildren.”

Zafarullah Mohammed agreed: “We can exercise as a family and I know that my son is in the safe hands of the staff. It is a friendly place.”

The WIJCC has been at its present location, rented premises in a shopping centre, since 1997. It opened originally in Dollard in 1986 at Congregation Beth Tikvah.

The “Save the WIJCC” petition is at www.change.org. There’s also a Facebook page for supporters at facebook.com/savewestislandjcc.