Two Second Cup cafés at Montreal’s Jewish General Hospital have been permanently closed, and the franchise owner’s contract was terminated after videos emerged of the franchisee engaging in hate speech at a recent protest. In a statement, Second Cup Canada reaffirmed its “zero tolerance for hate speech” and confirmed the closures and contract termination in collaboration with hospital management. The staff of the affected locations will continue to be paid and retained until the cafés reopen under new ownership.
The disturbing videos, reviewed by Second Cup’s parent company, Foodtastic, show the franchisee making a Nazi salute and using antisemitic language, including references to the Holocaust’s “final solution.” The protest, held outside Concordia University, was part of a pro-Palestinian demonstration where tensions have recently escalated, with violent incidents and calls for Quebec institutions to divest from Israeli-linked companies.
Peter Mammas, Foodtastic’s president, condemned the franchisee’s actions, stating, “We are completely against hate speech and anything that incites violence. Everyone has the right to voice opinions respectfully.” Shortly after confirming the woman’s identity, Foodtastic swiftly issued her a franchise termination notice.
CIUSSS West-Central Montreal, the health authority for the Jewish General Hospital, also stated support of Second Cup’s actions, standing “firmly against antisemitism and any form of discrimination or hate speech.”
The incident has drawn further criticism from community leaders like B’nai Brith’s Henry Topas, who voiced concerns about rising antisemitism in Montreal. Political leaders across Canada have also publicly condemned recent antisemitic incidents in Montreal, calling for measures to curb hateful rhetoric and violent behavior at protests.
Source: Swifteradio.com
