In spite of Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, declaration, stating he has no plans to reintroduce legislation to lift a ban on the kosher slaughtering, it appears that there might be a solution to the problem that has put the European Jewish community in turmoil.

On Thursday morning, 11 Menachem AV 5773, the Polish Ambassador to the E.U, Marek Prawda, informed General Director of the European Jewish Association (EJA), Rabbi Menachem Margolin, that PM Tusk has consented to the establishment of a special committee in order to find a solution to the problem. The special committee will be headed by Polish Minister of Administration and Digitization, Michał Jan Boni, who is also in charge religious matters in Poland. Ambassador Prawda on behalf of Minister Boni invited Rabbi Margolin to join the committee.

This new development came after intensive talks and activities made by EJA General Director, Rabbi Menachem Margolin, among heads of the Polish government and polish representatives in the EU Parliament, and the extensive meetings between Rabbis from the Rabbinical Centre of Europe (RCE) and Polish Ambassadors across the continent.

Ambassador Prawda has also informed Rabbi Margolin that Minister Boni has already instructed the its legal councils to examine the legal issues raised by the EJA and RCE – which the legislation banning kosher slaughtering in the country, stands in contradiction to the Polish constitution that prohibits any violation of freedom of religion and worship of minority groups in Poland.

Rabbi Margolin noted that the decision made by the Polish parliament was connected to the ongoing process within the polish people and in its wishful aspiration to protect animal rights. Once the Polish government understood that this action is seen as an action against the Jews, it decided immediately to establish a committee that will find an immediate solution which enables Jews to make a kosher slaughtering.

Rabbi Margolin mentioned that he is thankful to the Polish government, Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, Minister of Administration and Digitization, Michał Jan Boni, Polish Ambassador to the EU Marek Prawda for their immediate response and efforts to bring a solution to this major problem.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem / Photo: EJA – Rabbi Margolin and AMBS Prawda)