Religious Ministry CEO Faces Conflict of Interest Allegations Over Family-Linked Kashrut Authority

Judah Avidan, CEO of Israel's Ministry of Religious Services, is accused of violating his signed conflict of interest agreement to protect the interests of Badatz Beit Yosef, a kosher certification authority owned by his relatives. According to the agreement, Avidan pledged to avoid involvement in matters significantly affecting Badatz Beit Yosef. However, a May 2023 investigation by Channel 13 News revealed that Avidan pressured the chairman of the Kiryat Malakhi Religious Council to prevent the dismissal of Meir Cohen, the council's kosher supervision department manager. Evidence suggests Cohen effectively managed the kosher supervisors for Badatz Beit Yosef, owned by Avidan's cousin, Yehudit Yosef.

Cohen reportedly promoted policies benefiting Badatz Beit Yosef, including reducing the number of supervisors at a southern meat plant. An internal report by the Chief Rabbinate highlighted serious deficiencies in Cohen's performance, emphasizing the urgent need to adjust supervisor numbers to ensure proper oversight. Concurrently, Avidan is advancing legislation in the Knesset to repeal the kosher reform, a move expected to favor his family's Badatz.

In response, Meir Cohen denied any direct or indirect employment with Badatz Beit Yosef and stated that the number of kosher supervisors increased during his tenure. He accused detractors of personal vendettas and false claims. The Ministry of Religious Services declined to comment due to an ongoing investigation but noted that the conflict of interest issue was reviewed and approved by the ministry's legal advisor. The ministry emphasized that attempts to defame the CEO will not hinder his work for the kosher-observant public.