UPSTATE NY (VINnews) — A large frum family alleges that they suffered through an extremely difficult and shocking ordeal, getting thrown out of their hotel on Shabbos, in blistering heat, under police enforcement.
Join our WhatsApp groupSubscribe to our Daily Roundup Email
The story was spread widely on social media Sunday, and confirmed by at least one witness by Hamodia.
According to the claims, the extended family of twenty children and twelve adults were allegedly ousted from Hunter Lodge, after the owner complained about the noise made by the children as they played on Shabbos afternoon, and ordered them to vacate.
When they made reservations prior to Shabbos, the family allegedly informed the lodge of their plans to bring numerous children.
According to the reports, on Friday night the staff allegedly became upset, and the family apologized and said they were doing their best to keep all of the children quiet, which was clearly not an easy feat.
On Shabbos morning, staff warned the family again, claiming they had received a complaint about unsupervised children. The family says they disputed the claim, but apologized and committed to do everything possible to keep the children contained.
Family members reportedly don’t believe a noise complaint was made by a patron, only hotel staff, although that is not confirmed.
After being ordered to leave, the family explained that due to religious reasons they could not leave in middle of Shabbos, but the unwavering owner called the police. The family claims they begged the police to wait until after Shabbos, yet astonishingly, the State Police and Sheriff came to back up local police and demanded the family leave immediately.
More shocking, they were allegedly threatened with arrest and told they would all be handcuffed.
“We had davened that morning at the home of a Jewish family who lived down the road, and I walked there and informed them what was transpiring,” the father told Hamodia. “They invited us in, and I once again walked in ninety degree temperature back to the lodge to arrange for us to evacuate. The children were taken on the trolley, and we walked again to the home down the road.
“It was a disgusting situation, where the owners as well as the police showed no consideration for our religion nor for the plight of the children, some of who were special needs. In light of the fact that we told them in advance that we were coming with a large group of children who do what children do, which is run around and have fun, it is inconceivable that they would not have expected that the kids would make noise as they played together.
“In response to our pleading that they be understanding and allow us to stay, we were told, ‘We’ll see you in court!’ We were traumatized, and it is hard to believe that a lodge could treat a family with little children in such a manner.”
It is not clear if the family plans to file a lawsuit.
The lodge did not respond to multiple requests by VIN News for comments.
I was in Hunter this past Shabbos, so I have first-hand knowledge on what happened. However, VIN didn’t post my detailed comment.
Perhaps, VIN is feels slighted that someone knows something that VIN does not.
Can’t comment since I wasn’t there
They haven’t alleged anti semitism
Don’t know what happened here and if there truly was a ruckus, BUT I’ve been to places where parents let there kids run wild all over the place, (such as running up and down the hallways at Pesach hotels and messing with the elevators and preventing it from getting to the guests) thinking that because the adults/parents are on vacation, they deserve to enjoy it as well, and ignore or are completely oblivious to what their kids are up to. It’s also something that seems to be more common in more “frum” and “Heimish” looking families rather than in Modern Orthodox circles. (Just my observation). You’re not at a family simcha here. There are many other guests here that are very different than you are, and were looking forward to some peace and quiet on their vacation. Get a handle on your kids, parents. It’s not for others to do. Talk about a Chilul Hashem……
Greener galus
Can anyone please explain in 2023 upstate NY what a “Trolley” is? Where I’m from we had Trolleys but that ended over 60 years ago.
I was once threatened with arrest by a frum resort manager because I contested something on my bill. He called the police in me! Every other time I have ever contested a hotel bill the manager either quickly refunded me the money or explained clearly why the charge was valid. That facility is now in ruins.
I hope their payme t will be refunded.
Hmmm… maybe you’re not a mekubal. Perhaps you’re a Navi. Maybe you should consult for hotels that are expecting guests from Lakewood and you can “tell [them] how they’ll behave, exactly as described by the hotel staff [of the Bluebird Hunter Lodge]”