New Slaughtering Rules Pit Dutch Religious Freedoms Against Animal Rights
The new rules also state that the number of animals killed for kosher
and halal meat must be limited to the amount "necessary to meet the actual need of the religious communities present in the Netherlands." Slagerij Marcus, which relies on exports for 40 percent of its income, may find it difficult to stay in business, said Herman Loonstein, a lawyer for the butcher.
The deli is one of the few kosher restaurants left in Amsterdam, a city
that once had such a vibrant Jewish community that it still retains the nickname Mokum, the Yiddish word for "safe haven." People travel from miles away to meet their friends there, and the deli holds a small community together in a country where 80 percent of the Jewish population was killed during World War II.
European Jewish Congress wrote that Some of those who try
and ban our customs are in essence trying to make Europe more uncomfortable for Jews, because the essence and centrality of our life are our ancient traditions, and if our customs are not welcome nor are our communities,
"It’s really part of the community life." But starting Monday, keeping customers satisfied may get more difficult, not just for Sal Meyer
but also for kosher and halal butchers across the Netherlands.
Supported by Amsterdam Journal By Nina Siegal AMSTERDAM — For 60 years, the Sal Meyer deli in Amsterdam has been serving
kosher foods like its signature pekelvlees, a fatty corned beef steeped in meat juices and served with a bun.
Even though a compromise solution was developed, the Dutch animal rights party is again planning
to introduce legislation early this year in an attempt to ban religious slaughter.
