Montreal, April 23, 2002 ? Canadian Jewish Congress, Quebec Region has discovered that it is the owner of the Second Cup franchise on 1465 Crescent who is responsible for the antisemitic incident on April 17th, 2002 following a Montreal rally of over 25,000 in solidarity with Israel. Several young Quebecers were refused service at this Second Cup branch and asked to leave because they were carrying Israeli flags.

Congress has confirmed that Second Cup Ltd. does not have the authority to take any disciplinary action against the individual, in this case one of the owners of the franchise. While we acknowledge that Second Cup Ltd. C.E.O. Alton McEwen has apologized for the incident, the franchise owners have not made any such comment. Congress has in fact learned that Second Cup Ltd. is already involved in legal proceedings with the franchise and has been assured that this latest incident will be considered in those proceedings.

“The behaviour of this individual is absolutely unacceptable,” noted CJC, QR President Joseph Gabay. “It is offensive not only to Jews and friends of Israel, but to all Quebecers who take pride and comfort in a society so respectful to human rights.”

Congress will continue to monitor the situation closely and take appropriate action if necessary, to ensure that the situation is resolved to our satisfaction.

Canadian Jewish Congress, Quebec Region is the official voice of the Jewish community of Quebec.

For more information, please contact:

Eta Yudin, Director of Communications

Canadian Jewish Congress, Quebec Region

Tel: (514) 345-6411 ext. 3165

Email:etay@cjc.ca