The next kashrus-related petition likely to be heard by the High Court of Justice is not from the Jewish sector but from attorneys representing the Arab sector. The petition calls from exempting the Arab sector from importing kosher meat because compelling this sector to do so is tantamount to religious coercion.

The petition was filed by the Adalah human rights organization on behalf of Ahmad Effendi Meat Company and Christian and Muslim Arabs. The suit explains the average cost of Chief Rabbinate kashrus is NIS 424,000 monthly and much of the cost is passed onto the Arab consumer who is not at all interested in kashrus.

Haaretz spoke with Iyad Effendi, the company’s CEO, explaining they tried to bypass the kosher law by talking with Trade Ministry officials back in 2008, albeit without success. The petition skillfully points out other exceptions; cases in which Israeli law is not imposed on the Arab sector such as raising pigs or the sale of bread of Pesach. Attorney Sawsan Zaher explains that are seeking a similar dispensation here, to permit importing non-kosher meat.

This latest lawsuit is filed against the Ministry of the Economy.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)