Chief Rabbinate abuses Kosher Fraud Law to threaten tourism industry
The Rabbinate’s animosity toward Christianity
International acceptance and global Jewish support for Israel as both a Jewish and democratic state must be founded upon respect for all faiths and an embrace of Jewish diversity.
Uri Regev 23/12/2014 10:37
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Christmas tree in the Old City of Jerusalem
Christmas is around the corner, and while not many associate it with the ongoing saga of religion/ state relations, it should serve as an important reminder of the battle to realize Israel’s founding promises of religious freedom and equality. This season, there will again be many thousands of Christians visiting Jerusalem, staying in Jerusalem’s hotels for their sacred holiday. Whereas anywhere else in the free world they would be welcomed by holiday symbols, most commonly festively decorated Christmas trees, they will find none of these in Jerusalem’s hotels.
The tourism industry doesn’t intend any disrespect toward Christianity, but rather fears the wrath of Israel’s Chief Rabbinate, which threatens to revoke their establishments’ kosher certifications.
These policies reflect both a deep hostility toward Christianity and non-Orthodox Judaism, as well as consistent efforts to expand the Chief Rabbinate’s religious reign, regardless of Israel’s laws. The rabbinate reigns by terror, rather than by example.
The Chief Rabbinate’s kashrut guidelines explicitly state: “Placing references to gentile holidays at the end of the secular year is not allowed.” Further examples of the rabbinate’s coercion are found in these official instructions under the title of “The Sanctity of Shabbat,” including the requirement that “events taking place on Sabbaths and holidays will not involve filming, photography and music,” that “payments shall not made, other than covertly by gentile cashiers,” and that “laundry and ironing rooms shall be closed on Sabbaths and Jewish holidays.”
These policies reflect both a deep hostility toward Christianity and non-Orthodox Judaism, as well as consistent efforts to expand the Chief Rabbinate’s religious reign, regardless of Israel’s laws. The rabbinate reigns by terror, rather than by example.
Click here to read the full article on the Jerusalem Post