NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — New York Attorney General Letitia James urged Jewish New Yorkers on Monday to be "cautious of potential discriminatory pricing practices" at car washes in the days before Passover, when it's common for observant individuals to clean their vehicles.
There have been reports of car wash businesses in predominantly Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods of the city raising prices by as much as 50% for Jewish customers seeking cleaning services close to Passover in previous years, according to a press release from the attorney general's office.
In the days leading up to Passover -- which begins at sundown on April 5 and ends at sundown on April 13 -- many Jews clean their homes, cars, and other spaces to remove "chametz," or leavened products.
"Taking advantage of someone’s religious observances and practices is offensive, discriminatory, and absolutely unacceptable," James said in a statement. "For millions of observant Jews in New York and beyond, Passover is an important holiday, and their preparations should be respected, not manipulated for profit."
The AG's office cites reports that some companies have advertised "specials" for car washing services related to Passover, but instead charged higher prices to customers.
James has previously written to organizations that represent car wash owners in New York to remind their members that any such business practice is unlawful and should be reported to OAG in order to safeguard New Yorkers from these practices.
"Last year, we brought this matter to the attention of Attorney General Letitia James and she swiftly issued a consumer alert for which we are grateful,” said New York State Assemblymember Simcha Eichenstein, who represents Borough Park and parts of Midwood. "As Passover approaches again, the Attorney General is being proactive and has issued another consumer alert. Let’s be clear. Car wash establishments who shamelessly overcharge their Jewish customers for services before the Passover holiday are clearly discriminating against one religious community. That is unacceptable and illegal. Car wash operators, you have now been warned. Don’t do it."
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