DENMARK INVOLVED IN ISRAELI FUR CONFLICT

Translated from:
http://www.kristeligt-dagblad.dk/artikel/373114:Udland—Danmark-involveret-i-israelsk-pelsstrid?all=1

July, 9th 2010

"Israeli Knesset member accused of doing Denmark’s business in a case concerning the prohibition against trade of fur for Orthodox’ hats"

It was a historic breakthrough for the "International Anti-Fur Coalition", when it recently reached a compromise with Israel’s Orthodox parties.

For a long time, the Coalition has tried to get a law against trade of fur in Israel passed, but has so far faced resistance from the Orthodox community, who among other things uses fur from mink for their hats. The compromise meant that it would be possible to adopt the law, which is supported by 87 percent of the population. But Denmark is trying to trip up this development, because Danish mink farms supply fur for the Orthodox hats.

Jane Halevy, who is the founder of the "International Anti-Fur Coalition" in Israel, accussed Knesset member (MK) Yohanan Plesner, who is related to Denmark’s ambassador in Tel Aviv, Liselotte Plesner, of doing his family a favor by defending Denmark’s interests in the case.

"An elected politician should represent the majority of the people and refrain from abusing his position to defend his own and family’s interests," says Jane Halevy.

The bill against the trade of furs was put forward by MK Ronit Tirosh, a member of the same Kadima party as Yohanan Plesner. But recently Yohanan Plesner raised the issue with Israel’s Trade Minister Benjamin Ben-Eliezer and apparently convinced him that the bill is not a good idea.

This development comes in the wake of a letter Foreign Minister Lene Espersen (Consevative Party) sent to Benjamin Ben-Eliezer on april 19th 2010, in which she asks for his help to fight the bill.

"I am very worried about a possible ban on the fur trade, which will not only damage Danish interests, but also our shared interest in open markets and the principles of free trade. This is why I am asking for your help," says the letter.

Lene Espersen also adds that the fur industry in Denmark employs 25,000 people with an annual turnover of around five billion Danish kroner.

Christian H. Hansen from the party Focus believes that the figures are exaggerated, but he also believes that Denmark has a moral problem by opposing the Israeli bill.

"Where are our morals as human beings when we keep wild animals locked in cages," asks Christian H. Hansen, who also believes that the Israeli bill can be an excellent example for other countries to follow.

Denmark’s involvement in the case of the Israeli bill is being criticized by several parties in Israel.

“We have clearly reached a point where the bill in the Knesset must be approved first by Denmark. The Danish government is supported by fur farmers, who are putting pressure on the Foreign Secretary. She then puts her ambassador on the case, who in turn activates her "puppet", Yohanan Plesner in the Israeli parliament, writes "International Anti-Fur Coalition" on the matter.

MK Nitzan Horowitz from the Meretz party has sent a letter to Lene Espersen, in which he asks Denmark meddle outside on the matter.

"Quite seriously, Madam Minister. Israel is a hot and humid country. We really do not need fur coats. And those who still want to dress up in fur, can use synthetic products. There is no reason to torture and kill animals for this" writes Nitzan Horowitz.

It wasn’t possible yesterday to get a comment from Yohanan Plesner.

Reporter: Allan Sorensen