The mood in the street in many European countries is increasingly anti-Israel and blatantly anti-Semitic.
Jewish defense organizations report a dramatic rise in anti-Semitic incidents that many blame on radical Muslims living in those countries and increasingly asserting themselves.
Yet, the number of food manufacturers seeking kosher certification in many of those same countries is also on the rise, according to rabbinic sources in Israel and the US.
According to organizers of next week’s Kosherfest (November 11-12), in addition to Israel, some 34 companies from 9 countries will be exhibiting at Kosherfest. That does not include many American-based importers and distributors who will feature kosher foods manufactured overseas.
Poland is a good example. Despite its newly instituted ban on kosher slaughter which some say is not being implemented, more companies are looking to go kosher.
The reason, say food experts, is that these manufacturers feel they will have a better chance of making inroads in the American market, could win some lucrative contracts in Israel and pick up business in Europe, South America, and even South Africa and Australia.
For ingredient companies, say the experts, it has “become a no-brainer” since it severely limits their ability to do business with kosher certified companies anywhere in the world, particularly in the USA.
It is also apparent that more Muslims are opting for kosher products despite their growing radicalization. “In an age of where being anti-Israel has become fashionable, kosher is miraculously thriving,” one importer said.
I grew up in the east end in the 50s and 60s. It was full of good yidden of all types, most not particularly orthodox. There was a warm Jewish atmosphere and ethos there. Nostalgia for the good times apart, it breaks my heart to see what it has become – a rabidly anti-Jewish danger zone.
I remember when Ilford was such a jewish place, and was nice to live there, but it’s awful now, full of Muslims, and Ilford itself is full of resturants that are Halal. Not safe anymore, really dangerous especially at night. Long ago it was nice, along long time ago.
Certain parts of the UK , especially East of London, Essex is surrounded by Muslims, the east end that once was a thriving jewish area, Muslim, they are brave to live in such places, it’s a bomb waiting to go off.