By COLlive reporter
Michael Applebaum, the first Jewish mayor of Montreal in its 370-year history, was sworn in Monday for an interim term that will end in the November 2013 election.
The first anglophone mayor in a century, he replaces Gerald Tremblay who resigned following corruption charges.
Applebaum, 49, who held the number 2 position at city hall – chair of the executive committee – for 1 1/2 years, has said he won’t run for mayor in the next election, Canadian Jewish News reported.
Applebaum, who is also mayor of the Cote des Neiges – Notre-Dame-de-Grace borough, has strong ties to the Jewish community and has been openly supportive of Israel, the paper said.
He has been a regular at Chabad events in the neighborhood, making it a point to always show up at annual Lag Baomer parades, lighting the menorah at the Chabad Yeshiva building and even worrying to have the schach branches picked up after Sukkos.
In 2006, he refused a request by the pro-Palestinian group Tadamon for a minute of silence at a borough council meeting for a Montreal family killed in Lebanon by Israeli shelling during the conflict with Hezbollah.
Chabad activist Rabbi Dovid Cohen is one of Appelbaum’s friends and admirers who attended the swearing in ceremony and wished him much success in his new and important position.
Strong good leaders are absolutely necessary for good strong kehilla.
Good by itself is not enough.
We have.
Rabbi Cohen is a true and wonderful Baal Chesed. Haven’t seen him in years but remember his kindness and good spirit well. Worked one summer in his safrus store, bought my teffilin from him and was good friends with Moishie. Hope all’s good well. Hatzlocho. YMP
Michael Appelbaum is a real Mentsch!
where i live there is a jewish mayor from like 1 or 2 years alredy
No wonder Rabbi Cohen with his true Emes and genuine fine midus captured the heart of of the mayer who respects him very much real kidush Hashem we need more of these Chasidim.
we r so proud of u keep up all those gr8 things u do 4 the community may hashem repay u 4 all the good u do and more
Kol HaKovod, Dovid and your Eishes Chayil, Suri !
At leasssst! If not more !!!
from your old old neighbour!!!! make us jews proud!!
Now I can return to Montreal – in safety – and continue what I used to do in my Montreal based business Cafe on St-Mary boul. Thanks alot Mr. Applebaum. Ysher Koich
Wishing u much Hatzlocho!! Its always good to be on chabads side!!
the first chasidim of montreal in the early fortys are sheping naches in gan eden, bsuros tovos
You do amazing work for the lubavitch community here in montreal.
Hashem should give you everything you want for the good.
Lag b’omer parades and Chanukah events are a staple in Montreal!