Jewish Groups Slam Dutch Ban on Animal Slaughter
European Jewish groups slammed a decision by the lower house of the Dutch parliament to ban the ritual slaughter of animals.
The Conference of European Rabbis President Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt called the ban an outrage that would prevent Jews from living a Jewish life in The Netherlands.
“We have passed the stage of arguing the nuances of intention of anti-Semitism. The practical effects of this bill mean that Jews are no longer welcome in The Netherlands. This has not happened for 70 years,” Goldschmidt said.
Under the bill passed Tuesday, animals are required to be stunned before slaughter. Both Jewish and Muslim ritual slaughter must be performed while the animal is fully conscious.
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