Legal Expert Warns New Kosher Law Provisions Will Harm Oversight and Public Trust

Advocate Ohad Weigler, head of public policy at the Atim organization, criticizes recent kosher certification legislation currently under discussion in Israel. While there is broad consensus on the need to reform the kosher supervision system, which about two-thirds of Israelis rely on, Weigler argues that the small, overlooked clauses in the bill will expand bureaucracy, weaken oversight mechanisms, and damage public confidence.

Weigler acknowledges the debate over how to implement reform, including proposals to limit kosher certification to local religious councils, but he strongly opposes the bill’s detailed provisions. He highlights two key examples: first, the bill grants religious councils voluntary authority to certify not only food but also products like aluminum trays, sunscreen, and toilet paper. He warns this will inevitably be exploited, leading to increased consumer costs as the new certifications require funding.

Second, the bill establishes an appeals committee intended to protect businesses from unfair treatment by the religious establishment. However, three of the five committee members, including the chair, are appointed by the Ministry of Religious Services or the Chief Rabbinate, effectively placing the oversight body under the control of the very institutions it should regulate. Weigler calls this arrangement a farce that offers no real protection to businesses.

Despite good intentions from lawmakers such as MK Ohad Tal, who chairs the committee reviewing the bill, Weigler believes the legislation will worsen politicization and corruption within the kosher system. He warns that the current coalition is moving forward with a flawed law that will increase public distrust in kosher supervision and the religious establishment overall, rather than providing an efficient, supervised service aligned with Jewish law.