Israel hoteliers are pooling their political clout to fight what they feel is an unjustifiable increase in the price of Rabbanut kashrus certification. They explain the price of keeping their kashrus certification will increase 30%. The hotels explain that this is poor timing as the hotels are feeling the aftermath of Operation Protective Edge.

Shevi Shai, CEO of the Hoteliers Association accuses the Ministry of Religious Services of acting in a void, without consulting with the hotels. Shai adds that on the one hand the cabinet announced it is doing a great deal to assist hotels following the Gaza warfare yet they have now received the notification that the cost of keeping their kosher certification has increased 29.5%.

Officials in the Hotel Division point out that Deputy Minister of Religious Services Rabbi Eli Ben-Dahan is working contrary to the recommendations of the Bar Nir Committee, which called for a reduction in bureaucratic costs for hotel owners and the committee’s recommendations were accepted by the cabinet.

The ministry responds, explaining the new regulations went into effect in November 2013 and it appears that some local religious councils have not gotten around to passing on the new charges until today, the eve of 5775.

Ministry officials insist the increase represents adjusting prices to the economic index and implementing price adjustments that have remained static for over 12 years. Officials point out the sum amounts to about 10 shekels per hotel room annually. In hotels with over 250 rooms, the amount is less and it continues dropping as the hotel’s size increases. Ministry officials are not sympathetic, pointing out the increase amounts to 2,800 shekels annually per hotel with 251 or more rooms. It adds that the hourly fee for a mashgiach has remained the same for ten years, now standing at 37 shekels an hour.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)