Written by PETA
What do reggae star Matisyahu, the Israeli government, and fur have in common? The compassionate Jewish singer, who recently became vegan because of his disgust toward factory farms and to strictly adhere to Torah principles, has written a heartfelt letter on behalf of PETA to Israeli government leaders urging them to support a bill currently in the Knesset that would ban the fur trade in Israel. If the bill passes, Israel would be the first country to prohibit the production, sale, and importation of all fur products (with the exception of shtreimels, traditional fur hats worn by some Hasidim).
Matisyahu rightfully points out that stomping, beating, and bludgeoning animals violates the fundamental principle of tza'ar ba'alei chayim, which forbids gratuitous cruelty to animals.
In light of our recent undercover video about Chinese fur farms, it's time right now for governments and the public to turn their backs on fur.
Written by Jennifer O'Connor
@Sharon F, i think you have a point with the fur hat thing but i would like to point out that Judaisms conception of animal 'sacrifice' and thus the use of animal furs by chassids is very bound up with Judaisms esoteric dimension. Whether theres reality to what they believe or not is not important, theyre not cruel, and they certainly do not support the current treatment of animals. Wearing the fur hats that they do has a significant spiritual reason, and it isnt done in vanity and superficiality as when worn by rich, egotistical men and woman.
So, when seen from this perspective we can atleast say that the furs of the animal are being honored, and respected when worn by man who see this fur as befitting an image of sanctity and holiness.
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