The Tuv Taam Company, known for supplying non-kosher meat
nationwide, has begun construction on a large pork
distribution center in Petach Tikva, drawing harsh reactions
from local bnei Torah.
The Chief Rabbinate of Petach Tikva, headed by HaRav Boruch
Shimon Salomon, distributed an announcement on Erev Shabbos
Nachamu. Under the heading, "Tremble, Petach Tikva," the
notice read in part, "A large distribution center for pork
and pork products is under construction (destruction) in our
city in addition to the pork stores scattered in every part
of the city. We vehemently denounce this unfortunate
development, which threatens to turn Petach Tikva into a dark
recess and we call upon all those who can to remove the pork
from the city."
That Shabbos avreichim and bnei Torah walked
with HaRav Salomon to the construction site near Kiryat
Mishav and the Chen Hatzafon neighborhood. On the way they
were shocked at the sight of shameful Shabbos desecration,
including a large car wash opposite a beis knesses in
Chen Hatzafon, furniture stores and a coffee house open for
business. Angered and pained over the trampling of the
Shabbos, they began to protest the future threat to the city,
which is home to a large religious and ben Torah
population as well as numerous yeshivas and
kollelim.
After showing a clear presence at the construction site they
shared their sentiments with rabbonim and chareidi public
figures regarding the Jewish character of Petach Tikva,
expressing their great surprise at city officials who at
first tried to deflect attention as if discussing the
construction of a distribution center for fruits and
vegetables.
Rabbonim and public figures have voiced anger and pain at
these acts and are demanding that all involved officials work
to stop construction on the facility, which would seriously
undermine the Jewish character of the city, now marking 125
years since its founding by Jews well known as yirei
Hashem.
They also noted that the bnei Torah and yirei
Hashem sector will continue to protest the construction
of the pork distribution center, which joins other efforts to
erase the city's Jewish character, by acting in accordance
with directives by the Moro De'asra to strengthen Petach
Tikva's Jewish character and Shabbos observance.
