Israel has become the first country in the world to ban the trade in animal fur. The Jewish state has received praise from the animal rights organization PETA for this move. However, it has also drawn criticism.
The fur trade will soon be illegal in Israel. Environment Minister Gil Gamliel (Likud) signed a corresponding directive on Wednesday. The ban is set to take effect in six months. Gamliel stated, "Hundreds of millions of animals are killed worldwide for the fur industry." She added that this involves "unspeakable cruelty" and causes suffering. The minister described the use of fur in the fashion industry as "immoral and unnecessary." Fur coats, she said, cannot conceal the "brutal and murderous industry" that produces them. She expressed hope that the signing of the directive would make the Israeli fashion industry more animal-friendly.
The animal rights organization PETA welcomed the minister's decision, calling it a "historic victory." PETA described the ban as "the fruit of years of lobbying by animal rights activists" and, in a statement, referred to PETA's honorary director, Pamela Anderson. The actress had personally appealed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Likud).
Exceptions for Orthodox Christians
Critics argue, however, that the new law is merely symbolic, as it includes exceptions for scientific research and religious purposes. The latter is particularly widespread in Israel. Furs are primarily used as head coverings by ultra-Orthodox Jews, writes the online newspaper "Times of Israel." This so-called shtreimel consists of the tails of sables and foxes. The tradition originates in Eastern Europe.
