Pressure Builds on Iowa Kosher Company
A congresswoman has joined with a host of national Jewish organizations to pressure a controversial Iowa kosher meat company to open up dialogue with the community in which it is located.
Jan Schakowsky, an Illinois Democrat, wrote one of a number of recent letters to the new owners of Agri-Star, who bought a kosher slaughterhouse in Postville, Iowa, in July, a little over a year after the company was the subject of a massive immigration raid. Community leaders in Postville have complained that the company’s new CEO, Daniel Hirsch, has refused to meet with them to discuss the company’s plans.
On September 23, Schakowsky wrote: “I understand that Postville business, civic, and community leaders are ready to take steps to ensure that your success happens in accordance with human and labor rights. I strongly encourage you to meet with the Postville Community Benefits Alliance.”
Schakowsky’s letter was joined by similar letters from the Catholic archbishop of Dubuque, the head of the local Lutheran synod, and one from 15 Jewish organizations, including the Jewish Council on Public Affairs and the American Jewish World Service.
The Postville Community Benefits Alliance was created by the local Lutheran and Catholic churches, and includes progressive Jewish organizations in Minnesota and Chicago. The alliance is hoping to negotiate a community benefits agreement with the company, but has previously been told that the new owners did not have time to meet.
A lawyer for the company, Shalom Jacobs, would not say whether the firm would meet with the alliance, but did say that, “the first priority is — and must be — reinvigorating operations at the plant in Postville.”
Contact Nathaniel Popper at [email protected]
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
