Montreal Celebrates with Parade

Sunshine or rain, Sunday or mid-week, Montreal always holds a Lag B’Omer Parade with much fanfare.

The Chabad community in Montreal is one of the only cities in the world which organizes a grand Lag B’Omer Parade, whether it falls out on a Sunday or in middle of the week, to celebrate the yahrzeit of the Rashbi.

Despite a forecast of rain, 4,000 people of all ages showed up for the event that began in front of the Cote S Luc city hall in a display of Jewish unity and pride, as instructed by the Rebbe. Baruch Hashem, the weather was beautiful and sunny.

Young students recited the 12 Pesukim followed by greetings from Chabad dayanim Rabbi Banon and Rabbi Berel Bell.

The parade included creative floats prepared by bochurim of the Yeshiva Zal and mesivta. Children marched holding signs in both English and French calling to “Learn Torah” and “Love your fellow Jew” as they walked down Cavendish boulevard to Pierre Elliott Trudeau Park for a fascinating circus show, inflatable rides and raffles.

Over 20 inflatables, circus performers, pony rides, petting zoo, horse rides and train rides and free gifts awaited the excited and eager Jewish children.

Rabbi Dovid Cohen, the organizer of the parade, served as the MC. He greeted participants to the festival honoring Rabbi Shimon bar Yochei’s yahrzeit and thanked the Head Shliach Rabbi Berel Mochkin for his leadership.

A special thank you goes to hatomim Yisroel Cohen for his efforts and assistance in coordinating the parade.