Israel has made headlines with its recent announcement of a ban on the sale of fur in the fashion trade. This move has gained praise from the International Anti-Fur Coalition, which commends Israel for being the first entire nation to implement such a ban. The ban covers the commerce of animal furs, including imports and exports, with exceptions being made for research, study, and certain religious traditions. However, it is worth noting that fur is still used for traditional hats known as “shtreimels,” which are worn by some ultra-Orthodox Jews.
The Anti-Fur Coalition expressed its support for Israel’s decision on social media, stating on their Facebook page, “On this historic day, Israel has set an ethical precedent, and hopefully other nations shall join them and ban the sale of barbaric and cruel blood fashion fur.” They emphasized that Israel has become the first entire nation to be “fur-free,” highlighting that while certain international cities and the state of California have implemented similar bans, Israel’s ban covers the entire country.
The ban is set to take effect in six months, providing businesses and stakeholders with time to adapt to these new regulations. Animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) emphasized the importance of other countries following Israel’s lead, both from an ethical standpoint and for health reasons. PETA argued that keeping sick and stressed animals in unsanitary conditions on fur farms can create a breeding ground for deadly diseases.
PETA drew attention to the link between fur farms and the spread of diseases, noting that the novel coronavirus has been found on mink fur farms in multiple countries. This connection raises concerns about public health and the potential for zoonotic diseases to emerge from such farming practices. By instituting a ban on fur sales, Israel is taking a significant step towards promoting ethical fashion and protecting both animals and human health.
Israel’s decision to ban fur in the fashion trade serves as a compelling example for other countries to follow. As the first nation to implement such a ban, Israel is making a statement about the cruelty of the fur industry and the importance of prioritizing animal welfare. It remains to be seen if other countries will respond to this call and join the growing movement against fur sales. In the meantime, Israel’s ban represents a significant milestone in the fight for ethical and sustainable fashion.
Useful links:
1. PETA – Fur Industry
2. Humane Society International
