[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCzZWlFgjFM[/youtube]
Pamela Anderson tries to convince orthodox Jews to get with the times and give up the fur.
During a visit to Israel a few weeks ago, former Baywatch star and current Honorary Director of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Pamela Anderson tried to convince orthodox Jews to forgo their traditional fur hats in the name of preventing animal cruelty. The hats, or shtreimels, are typically worn by Hassidic men on festive occasions and became a part of the orthodox tradition in 18th century Europe. Despite the fact that fur hats are extremely ill suited to the balmy, hot Middle Eastern climate, the tradition has persisted to this day in Israel. Pamela Anderson was hoping to seduce the community into modernity.
“It’s almost 2011. There are so many alternatives to things. We can be compassionate in our choices,” Anderson said. But when addressing a community so steeped in ancient history and tradition, maybe reminding one’s audience of the calendar year is not the way to go.
For a community that so strictly follows the laws of kashrut, or dietary laws, based on a desire to be more humane towards animals, however, that might have been an appropriate angle.
She did praise Israel, however, for not having any fur farms and said that it could serve as an example for the rest of the world.
Anderson was visiting Israel in order to participate in a local episode of the Dancing with the Stars reality television show (see the video clip above to watch her performance).
The actress tries to incorporate her animal rights campaign during other international visits and most recently urged the Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, to ban all leather products in the country.
Image via: cdnmusicdiva
: Haaretz
Read more about animal rights in the Middle East::
Israel Creates Anti-Fur Import and Trade Bill, Shtreimels Excluded
Egyptian Activists Claim Eid Animal Slaughter is Haram
Abuse of Circus Animals in Lebanon Challenges Lack of Legal Framework
Author: Karen Chernick
Much to the disappointment of her Moroccan grandmother, Karen became a vegetarian at the age of seven because of a heartfelt respect for other forms of life. She also began her journey to understand her surroundings and her impact on the environment. She even starting an elementary school Ecology Club and an environmental newsletter in the 3rd grade. (The proceeds of the newsletter went to non-profit environmental organizations, of course.) She now studies in New York. Karen can be reached at karen (at) greenprophet (dot) com.
