New Zealand Shechita heading to Court

July 25, 2010 by Henry Benjamin
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New Zealand’s Jewish community has exhausted all mediatory opportunities in its bid to keep Shechita legal…the matter is now heading to Court.

David Zwartz

Wellington-based David Zwartz is the spokesman for the group organising the legal battle. He told J-Wire: “It will be a collaborative effort between the Wellington and Auckland Jewish communities and of course with the full aid of the New Zealand Jewish Council. We are engaging the services of one of Auckland’s most prestigious legal firms.”

The official statement from the working group reads: ” Since our last message, the Working Group on shechita has tried to engage further with the Minister of Agriculture.

The Minister is firm in his resolve to preserve his position, which does not give the Jewish community a secure continuing supply of kosher meat, and only offered an unacceptable short term option. Accordingly agreement could not be reached. This is disappointing and has meant turning to progress the work on a legal action.

A leading law firm has been engaged and has prepared draft proceedings. These are currently being reviewed by a QC and a final decision will be made following receipt of his advice. Resources are being put in place to fund this course of action.”

Comments

One Response to “New Zealand Shechita heading to Court”
  1. Yerachmiel Burns says:

    I am shocked to see that New Zealand has outlawed the essential rite of Scheta. Is it the general feeling of New Zealanders that Jews should leave their homes and move to another country. Or, is it merely a mistaken Jurist who harbors anti- semitic feelings. It is very disturbing to see people permit their government allow this religious necessity of Jewish life be so reviled. As a committed Vegetarian, I can state that the ritual act of taking the animal’s life is done with reverence and with practically no pain to the animal. The shochet’s prayer is to this effect. The court’s of NZ would do well to recognize the slippery slope of hatred that they are opening. We are no longer interested in visiting NZ and will let our voice be heard by all we meet.

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