Synagogue says its members will use Philadelphia-area swim club accused of race discrimination

Synagogue buys Pa. swim club accused of race bias

PHILADELPHIA — A Philadelphia synagogue that bought a suburban swim club accused of racial discrimination last year says it plans for its 2,000-plus members to use the property.

The Congregation Beth Solomon bought the Huntingdon Valley-based Valley Club for $1.46 million at a bankruptcy auction on Thursday. The club filed for bankruptcy in November following discrimination lawsuits and a critical state report.

Last summer, the club revoked the memberships of 56 mostly black and Hispanic day campers, saying there were too many children and that many couldn’t swim.

Congregation Beth Solomon attorney Vlad Tinovsky says the synagogue plans to use the club “consistent with its existing recreational nature.” He says other groups may eventually be invited to use the pool as well.

Information from: The Philadelphia Inquirer, www.philly.com