Fifty Israelis have been arrested by Canadian authorities for illegally selling Dead Sea products in malls, the daily Yediot Achronot reports. The report indicates most of the detainees were released shortly following their arrest, while some were held in custody for a number of weeks. They are all slated for deportation. Others already banned from entering the country are turned around at the airport.

The selling of Dead Sea products in malls is a growing trend and many young Israelis use this as a means to support themselves while touring around N. America after completing army service.

It appears violating such laws in Canada is more serious than doing so in the United States, explaining the police acting against the Israelis in that country although Yediot adds many Israelis have been arrested in the US as well, and some have been banned from returning for at least a decade.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)