Will Mizra still be able to bring home the bacon?
By Eli AshkenaziBusinessman Arcadi Gaydamak's decision to purchase the Tiv Taam supermarket chain and make it kosher will significantly reduce the number of places where Israelis can buy pork products.
"I believe that in a Jewish state, in which there is a large Muslim minority, selling pork is a provocation," the Russian-Israeli billionaire told Army Radio.
Gaydamak said he would not fire the workers of the Maadaney Mizra meat products company, of which Tiv Taam owns 75 percent, but would reach agreements on compensation if necessary.
Excactly 50 years ago, Kibbutz Mizra founded a meat processing plant. Over the years it became identified with high-quality pork products, although it produced other meats as well. For the secular public, Maadaney Mizra's stores were the only place to buy non-kosher meat. For the religious, it became a symbol of impurity and the casting aside of religious tradition.
Feelings ran especially high in 1990 during Yitzhak Shamir's right-wing government, when it attempted to pass a law prohibiting the sale of pork. At Mizra, they remember a televised debate between an Agudat Yisrael MK and a kibbutz member: the MK said the kibbutznik not only sold pig, he acted like one.
Kibbutz Mizra was founded 84 years ago, one of the pioneering communities in the Jezreel Valley. Some of the atmosphere of those days is preserved in the museum run by 74-year-old kibbutz member Pini Shiboli - clothes and other small everyday artifacts, the first settlers' bedroom furniture, the German books they brought when they came here. But it is the large factory behind the museum that is best known to other Israelis.
The great wave of immigration from the former Soviet Union brought Mizra competitors. Their products' quality was not as high, and they appealed to a relatively less well-off clientele. Still, the competition cut into Mizra's exclusivity in the market. The sale of the factory to Tiv Taam was a necessity most of the members accepted with equanimity, and things have been going better since then. They were even reconsidering re-launching their logo.
The news that Gaydamak was going to buy Tiv Taam, which hit the Web on Friday, was viewed with greater suspicion at Mizra. The tycoon's statement that he would turn the chain kosher has Mizra worrying about the income from its flagship products, and about job security.
We have no problem not to manufacture pork products," said a Mizra member who asked to be known only as A. "But the big concern is that our income will be hit hard," he said.
"People are willing to pay more for our brand, which says quality and care. Some of what is special is the non-kosher items. If we have to turn kosher we'll have to be compensated," A. said. He added that although they owned only the remaining 25 percent, their agreement with Tiv Taam gave them 50 percent of the management, "and there is an agreement that they can't force their opinion on us."
Kibbutz secretary Uzi Shemesh said: "This factory grew by the sweat of many brows, and any development makes emotions run high. Meanwhile, we are hearing things only through the media." Shemesh reiterated the sentiment that Mizra's non-kosher meat products are what makes it special. "That's its business and commercial strength. If they go in a different direction, things will have to be considered."
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I am especially romantic about the kibbutzim of Israel. Israel as a whole is one of the world?s heroic nations. Progress of the Hebrew culture and Israel?s resurgence are rooted in the kibbutzim. Being in a kibbutz is having a very good exposure to Israeli culture. Cultural experience of a country amounts to learn the most important aspect of human life of that country. A kibbutz provides country-style experience. A kibbutz is a communal farm. Rather much more than that. A kibbutz is a true representative of Israel?s culture. I came to know about Israel?s kibbutzim only in 2008 when I went through the celebrated Eco-philosopher Henryk Skolimowski?s autobiography The Lotus and the Mud: Autobiography of a Philosopher. The Study Centre of the Galillee College is lodged in a kibbutz?Kibbutz Mizra. I stayed in the hotel of this kibbutz. A kibbutz comes into picture almost everywhere in Israel. When on excursion, the guide would talk about every kibbutz on the way. Prof. Dr. Vir Singh
Everyone knows it's his money. That's not really the point. If, in Grand Rapids, where you are writing from, someone toke "his money" made a 180 degree alteration in a tried and true, socially and economically important firm or factory, where family members worked for generations, I'm sure it would be grounds for great discussion, no? I worked in that plant in Israel in 1975. I don't eat pork now but I can readily understand that people's livihoods and traditions are possibly at stake when something like this happens. Pork and kashrut, secular socialism vs religion are also, socially, an extremely important debate in Israel. Do some looking, if you are interested, or ask me if you like.
I was in ulpan in the kibbutz mizra when I was young (about 30 years before) Is it possible for my children to be ulpaniste too in that kibbutz ? Thank you for your soon answer
In 1977-78 I saw that pork came from the Christian community in Netzeret (3 Km. away). If The Maadanay goes (has gone?) kosher wouldn't that impact the pig raisers? The pigs sure were not found on the kibbutz...then. (I worked in the reffet with - at times - Norma Glustein who qlso worked at the maadanay. (8/77-1/78)
The problem is that "the nice side of Judaism" is not to be found in Israel, the only country that supposes to be a model for the world?s Jewry. The group of people mainly Orthodox Jews proclaimed themselves the only Jewish people and only kosher Jewish people in the world. Unfortunately, they managed to penetrate deeply in the Israeli legislative system and become a part of the state. Now they are on their way to impose their medieval haalaha laws and practices on all Israeli citizens. They also fight every other Jewish streams form the US, conservative and reform. The ?pork? issue here is not about pork or Tiv Taam purchase in general, this is an important political issue of personal liberties and right of leading your life stile the way you want. The examples of religion-lead countries: Iran, former Afghanistan, Indonesia etc, and don?t tell me that Orthodox-style Judaism is harmless; they are nice when they are few but in the long run it will resemble Taliban.
Let everyone practice Judaism the way they feel comfortable with pork or without pork. We need to support the state of Israel, support the armed forces and try very hard NOT to practice corruption that makes the Jews look real bad in the eyes of the world. Be good to thy neighbor but don't interfer with his or her life unless it will physically harm your own. Mizra, I hope you find a way to keep making those wonderful sausages, too bad you sold most of your interest in the company. And for the religious who don't serve in the army and continue to drain the country of it's money, God just want's you to be good people. Remember religious people fought for their country from the beginning of time, it's probably the right thing to do and you really need the excercise and a bit of sun. You can wait for the Meshiach, but I truly doubt if he's coming, so do something constructive for your country and never mind if some people like pork, it's really none of your business.
With all the different foods in Israel - in the world - is it really such a tragedy not to have pig meat available? I'm not orthodox and I'm not strictly kosher, but I don't eat pig or shellfish and I don't feel deprived. To all you pig eaters out there, try lean corned beef?
Hey, going to yeshiva is important enough! They might not work, defend the country or even accept those who do it, but they pray every day, among other things, for the end of the state of israel. Wait a minute, I'm confuse now...
Those so called "religious" people are ready to vote for anyone who close a supermarket on saturday and does not sell pork? Even if this person is a Russian Mafioso washing his dirty money in Israel. This doesn't bother them at all, the important thing is not to drive on Saturday. What kind of religion is that? They think that the way they dress and food they eat make them more Jewish and closer to God but meanwhile they steal, deceive and play ?the masters of the neighborhood?. If this is a Jewish way of life I DO NOT want it!
Voluntary "purity" is ok, as long as there are other groups with different kinds of purity, so individuals can choose an approach to life that resonates with their personal values. Pork-free supermarkets is good for Jewish nationalism ... and its also good for Israeli Christian supermarkets that do sell pork. Israeli Jews that must eat pork can be goodwill ambassadors between Israeli Jews and Christians. I forget, do Druz eat pork?
Every day businesses are affected from a change of ownership or management, a new law, a new diet or for whatever reason. The Atkins diet caused millions of people to eat less carbohydrates. Our company and our customers' companies lost a lot of money and employees. After struggling for a year or two, we all survived and are now doing better than ever. Food companies and restaurants in the US are changing their recipes to eliminate trans-fats. Should we feel sorry for the trans fat manufacturers or for Kentucky Fried Chicken for having to change their famous original recipe? Anti-smoking laws caused tobacco farmers to switch to other crops. Is anyone crying for them? Pork farmers will find another way to make money. And the idea of Jews protesting a supermarket because they DON'T sell pork is pretty funny indeed. Better to be concerned about Putin's recent sale of nuclear fuel to Iran. (pork's not healthy, anyways)
this "second class" works for you and protect you in the army! What do you do except going to eshiva?
just to point out that the tide in Israel is sifting to the religious side and its about time, for years as orthodox we felt ignored shunned denigraded i usedto lilve in asquelon and everytime i came home on vocation all the insults that were thrown at me just for minding my own business.it's going to get better and better for the orthodox in israel and the secular better get used to it it's their rurn to fell like second class
With their primary distributor no longer willing to shill there pork (and other non-kosher) products Mizra will just have to negotiate with other distributors and compete with Gadymak. If they can't do that in a competitive way then they will just have to suck it up like every other business on the planet. Money talk, whining goes bankrupt. Personally, I hope they find it hard going if they want to find other distributors. I have no sympathy for them.
...a leader you and alike deserve. Is there a limit to outspoken mediocrity? Not our people, apparently. Alas.
For me Tiv Tam is good because it is open until 12 most nights, including Friday, and open on Shabbat. For the 75% of Israelis who are not religious this is very important, I hope he will keep at least some of his hours.
So Israel must be kept "pure." Purity is a dangerous concept, as it is an impossible goal. One of the dangers is deciding who will determine what is considered to be pure. Let's see, which regimes in the last 100 years or so were obsessed with purity? I'll let you answer that one for yourselves. Whenever individuals or regimes are seeking purity, it's a good idea to look into what the motive for this purity is. Also a good idea to get ready for a civil or world war which may ensue.
You cab buy as much pork as you like in Petah Tykva. So all those Jews who feel they can't live with out eating pig. Can jump into their cars and pop down to Petah Tykva's local market and buy as much as they like. Strange though that of all people a Russian should be denying his fellow country men/women the meat they most desire.
Well done Gaydamak! It is about time that someone that has money uses it to keep Israel pure! If we don't look after our land who will, our cousins ? The leadership in Israel has been substandard for many years,if someone comes along and does the right thing,he has my vote! Go Arkadi!!!!!
it's not about pork, it's about freedom of choice, a political issue. I agree with American and SJ.
bullshit! So what if Tiv Taam stops selling. Someone else will!!! Why don't people focus on something more important istead!!
Good for you SJ! I support your idea of boycotting Tiv Tam. It's not because I need the pork. I need the freedom of choice. We should go public with this idea.
I think everyone sees the reason why Gaidamak is trying SO HARD to impress! His agenda to get into politics is quite obvious. Apart from that, I HATE when people tell me what to do. I am not a pork eater, but I want to keep in mind that this option is always open for me, just like any other. Do we really let people with "extra cash" to rule our lifes??? This is what Israel has come to? SAAAAAAAADDD!!
Getting rid of swine from the Holy Land and helping the people of Sederot? - Sounds like a proper leader of Israel to me.
Whatever happened to democracy and freedom? I favor giving people the right to choose whether they will eat pork or not, and whether they'll observe Shabbat or not. It's outrageous and horrifying that someone rich can control the rights of others to choose in a supposed democracy. Where will this end with this Gaydamak? (Hint: It's not about the pork, people!)
and, oh, one more important thing. Democracy is a society where the MINORITIES feel free and comfortable and not only overwhelming MAGORITY. right? If not you are defender of Dictatorship!
I knew Mizra just three weeks ago in my first trip to Israel and I became sad about these news. I think this billionaire is displacing the focus to the religion field. He just want to make more money and he tries to hide that many people will lose their jobs.
Voice of reason, your hatred of "nazi stayle tradition-keepers" tells us more about yourself and a pathological hatred than it does any religious fanatic. if you look at nazi ideology, it was avowedly secular and held only contempt for tradition. so your comment is as dichotomous as it is innacurate. also, recent polls show the largest jewish group in israel are the 'traditional' which are bigger than the religious and the secular populations. if you were to take out all but the secular jews from Israel there wouldnt be many left. you should understand as someone who hates tradition, you are in the vast minority as overwhelming numbers keep many jewish traditions. so if anyone is speaking for the majority of the jews in israel it is the traditionalist and not you.
I am not religious and eat nearly everything. Bit "nazi-style tradition keepers" ??? I hear the "voice" - I can not find any "reason"!!
Yes mate, i would want you and guys like you, jewish fanatics and religious bigoters to go the place they came from. Never mind if this is Brookline or a place in Morocco. Buy one-way ticket for you buddy! You are not fit to live in the democratic society, get back to your barbaric roots. Seriously, our problem as Israeli people (jews, arabs, drus, gentiles or not) comes from you, nazi-style tradition keepers. It would be much much better and richer society without you and your ilks, no matter sfaradi or ashkenasi.
The goy that made the statment "MOSHIAHS BACK TO BROOKLIN" hasn't looked around, the Sefardim out number the Ashkinazi Haredim. So I guess this goy would want all Sefardim to leave Israel too. PORK IS NOT JEWISH...live with it !!
As a vegetarian i still believe in choice. if people want ot eat meat in this case pork then thats their choice not something the that is inflicted upon them in the same way if you want bread at pessah then thats your choice. So i for one will stop buying at Tif Tam as this is a step backwards for freedom and democracy.
I find this rather quaint, now that we have known - for many years - what the problem can be with pork meat, ie parasitic worms if not adequately cooked. A Jewish colleague of mine always made a bee-line for the ham steaks when we went to lunch, but then he was a scientist, and knew that our health regulations are very strict. He clearly enjoyed his ham! Salmonella from chickens is a much more common occurrence these days, if the chicken is not properly cooked. Likewise, certain eggs, particularly ducks' eggs. Criptosporidium from water, and listeria, etc are all much more of a hazard these days.Ah well, perhaps the factory should export its products to the many countries whose citizens do enjoy pork products. I do wonder sometimes if Jews and Arabs would get on better if they did eat pork; just an idle thought........
there are still plenty!!! don't worry it will nor diappear...
Name the countries associated with the following: 1. Prosciutto sandwich with provolone cheese on focaccia bread. (a) Iran; (b) Myanmar; (c) Italy. 2. Pork carnitas with black beans and rice (add pickled pork feet as an apetizer). (a) Yemen; (b) Pakistan; (c) Mexico. 3. Golonka. (a) Somalia; (b) Qatar; (c) Poland
It's his money...he can do with it whatever he likes.
I was always perplex to hear that in Israel pork products were one of the best. When one stop thinking that Israel, being the country where Judaism was born and where Judaism should be kept at the utmost level of purity we find the total opposite. Thanks to the democracy and freedom that Jews enjoys as opposed to other neighbouring countries where it is non existant, we still find pork there. AMAZING! isn't it? We all know that Mr. Gaydamak is playing a good political card,. Getting the Religious Jews on his side is a good move! I am not a religious jew but observant. Nevertheless I find this stratagem to be remarkably well orchestrated. Good job Mr. Gaydamak!