Matisyahu Urges Israeli Government to Ban Fur

Jewish Reggae Star Joins PETA in Urging Knesset to Pass Groundbreaking Legislation

For Immediate Release:
June 21, 2010 

Contact:
Amanda Schinke 757-622-7382

Jerusalem -- Jewish reggae star Matisyahu has sent an urgent letter on PETA's behalf 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 will 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).

Writes Matisyahu, "I hope you will agree that the way that animals suffer and die in the fur trade violates the fundamental principle of tza'ar ba'alei chayim, which forbids gratuitous cruelty to animals."

Animals on fur farms spend their entire lives in cramped, filthy cages before they are bludgeoned, beaten, or stomped to death. Many animals are still alive and struggling as their skin is torn from their bodies. Matisyahu joins Sir Paul McCartney, Brigitte Bardot, and several members of the British Parliament in showing support for this groundbreaking bill.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.


Matisyahu's letter to members of the Knesset follows.

June 18, 2010 

The Honorable MK Zevulun Orlev
CC: The Honorable MK Ronit Tirosh
The Knesset
Jerusalem
Israel


Dear Mr. Orlev,

I'm writing on behalf of my friends at PETA to ask that you please support a strong statement against cruelty to animals by voting for the Knesset's bill to prohibit the fur industry in Israel. Please take a moment to view this video, which shows undercover footage of animals as they are beaten and even skinned alive for their fur. After watching the footage, I hope you will agree that the way that animals suffer and die in the fur trade violates the fundamental principle of tza'ar ba'alei chayim, which forbids gratuitous cruelty to animals.

I look forward to hearing that you will do the right thing and support this bill. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,


Matisyahu