Kesher Talk

McJerusalem: As if there isn't enough unrest in the Holy City, a McFlap is developing over a recently opened McDonald's in the central Jerusalem bus station. The Jerusalem Rabbinical Council, responsible for certifying restaurants as kosher, has refused to give the establishment its approval; the Israeli owner rejected their suggestions on accommodation, which included changing the name of several branches to "McKosher." The owner attempted to compromise with the suggestions "McExpress" or "The Kosher McDonald's," even suggesting a logo change from red to blue. All to no avail; the franchise owner further infuriated the haredi by posting signs that proclaim the food is kosher despite a lack of certification, and that the branch will close on the Sabbath. The Jerusalem Magistrate's Court ruled last December that the owners of the new central bus station must allow McDonald's to open a branch, despite Orthodox threats of a boycott.(United Press International: UPI hears ... Feb. 21, 2002)

posted by Howard @ 2/22/2002 11:15:56 AM