Like many Montrealers, I received an invitation recently to attend a meeting of the Montreal branch of the Jewish Defence League (JDL). Growing up in New York in the late ’70s, I had a personal connection with the JDL. In fact, my synagogue’s official youth group was the JDL.

We marched in parades in our signature fatigue pants, JDL fist T-shirts and cool-looking berets. We demonstrated for Soviet Jewry and chained ourselves to the Russian consulate chanting, “Every Jew a .22,” referring to handguns and not passively ignoring the plight of fellow Jews.

We also learned self-defence and attended classes focusing on Jewish pride and identity. I felt like I was part of something great and that I was protecting the Jewish Nation every time I shouted, “Never Again!”

Several years later, I went to Israel and continued my connection with the JDL, meeting the group’s founder, Rabbi Meir Kahane. Joining him for Shabbat meals and attending his weekly Torah studies classes, I was taken in by his charisma and dynamism. However, I also remember the encouragement to break laws and get arrested, because after all, “You’re still a minor. How much trouble can you really get into anyway?” Thank God I never followed that advice.

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I also recall the leadership, including Rabbi Kahane, spewing hatred: It was not uncommon to hear the same words the greatest anti-Semites throughout the ages used toward us, but directed toward Arabs. “Expulsion,” and even worse expressions, were a part of the JDL’s vocabulary.

Quebec is a very special and unique place. I am an individual who is here by choice. I moved here from Ottawa, and prior to living there, I lived in the United States. Over the years, I have been offered opportunities to return to the States, and each time I turned down positions because this is where, until I make aliyah, I choose to call home. 

One of the greatest elements that make Quebec, and Montreal in particular, so special is that our society cultivates and fosters a sense of community with members of other cultures and faiths. Interfaith celebrations are common here. So are social settings that cultivate respect and appreciation for our diversity.

I just met with a young couple to plan their wedding, and they asked if I could co-officiate with their closest friend – an Islamic notary. The answer was yes, and I am looking forward to getting to know my new friend Karim better. What other province or state has a curriculum called “Ethics and Religious Culture,” whose purpose is to educate our children about other faiths and cultures? We are a city that holds summer festivals celebrating our unique diversity. What a wonderful place to live and raise children who will appreciate others and be part of a broader world while understanding and valuing their own unique identity as Jews. I am proud to be a Montrealer. 

I denounce fundamentalism in every community – Jewish, Arab, Christian or any other group – and will speak out against it whenever I can. Any faith or group that preaches hatred instead of peace and building bridges needs to be condemned and has no place anywhere, and certainly not in our city. I applaud any group that teaches Jewish pride and how to stand up strong and proud as Jews and Zionists.

I abhor in the strongest manner possible any organization that in the guise of pride, teaches and instils racism and bigotry. The JDL does just that. While their message may sound convincing, it is no more than hate-mongering. I encourage the Jewish community to send a very strong message to anyone who wishes to support and bring the JDL to Montreal to say, “Don’t set up shop here. Move along.” 

I am not putting my head in the sand.

The solution is never to become what we despise most. 

Rabbi Boruch Perton is the spiritual leader of Beth Zion Congregation in Cote St-Luc, Que.