The California Condominium Association that had prohibited a unit owner from placing a mezuzah on the door post of her apartment has completely reversed course and agreed to allow Barbara Cadranel’s mezuzah to remain on the door post with no penalties or fees to be assessed or levied upon her.  In addition, the Condominium Association has announced that in the future all residents who wish may place mezuzahs or other religious symbols on their door posts without prior approval from the Association’s Board of Directors. Announcement of the agreement was made by Nathan Lewin and Alyza D. Lewin, the father-daughter legal team representing Cadranel.

“We are very pleased that we were able to resolve this matter without having to resort to litigation,” said Alyza Lewin.  “The outpouring of public support for Ms. Cadranel was extraordinary.  The chorus of criticism of the Condominium Association and the expressions of support for our client not only provided Ms. Cadranel with much appreciated comfort but also brought about the dramatic turn of events we witnessed today.”

The attorney for the Association, Kurt Ahlberg, sent a letter to the editor of the Connecticut Post on April 3 informing him that the matter had been resolved.  In his letter, Ahlberg states that “Ms. Cadranel acted with full propriety and within her legal rights in affixing the mezuzah to her door post.”  He also extended a “personal apology to her as well as the Jewish community for this incident” and explained that neither he nor the Board “were aware of the significance of [Ms. Cadranel’s] placing the mezuzah upon her door post.”

The letter for the Association stated that the “California Condominium Association regrets this incident and condemns any and all forms of discrimination of every nature.  It was never our intent to discriminate against Ms. Cadranel, nor cause her any discomfort, embarrassment or distress.  The Association is a diverse community which welcomes residents of all faiths.”  The letter closed by noting, “In the true spirit of our Easter and Passover season, we all look forward to the forgiveness of our transgressions and pray for the future.”

The regional office of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) office had also supported Cadranel’s effort to keep her mezuzah. “We are extremely pleased and grateful that this matter has been resolved, that the California Condo Association has recognized its inappropriate handling of this matter and, most importantly, that Ms. Cadranel will be permitted to exercise her religion by keeping her mezuzah hanging on her doorpost, as required by Jewish law,” read a statement released by ADL on April 4. “We hope that the widespread response to this unfortunate situation and the extensive support Ms. Cadranel has received from people all over the world will serve to raise awareness and understanding amongst condominium associations, making them aware of the significance of the mezuzah, its obligatory nature and the need to accommodate residents who seek to practice their religion accordingly.”

Cadranel was satisfied with the outcome of the dispute…and pleased to put the issue to rest. “I am very happy that the Condominium Association realized that it made a mistake and has chosen to correct that mistake by permitting me, and any future residents of the condominium who wish, to put up a mezuzah on our door posts,” she said. “I am thankful that in the Association’s letter to the Connecticut Post, they recognized that I acted completely appropriately when I put up my mezuzah.  The entire episode was unfortunate and I am grateful that the Association expressed its regret.  Now we can begin to heal and put this difficult experience behind us.”