( 16 " RAE 61 "Agriprocessors fully complies with federal humane slaughter laws as is monitored by inspectors of the United States Department of Agriculture," the statement said. "All kosher slaughter procedures are under the exclusive direction of the supervising agencies and rabbis who certify the kosher status of the animals, as is provided by law." Grandin's criticism comes as Agriprocessors is working hard to revive its image following a massive federal immigration raid in Postville on May 12 that led to the arrests of nearly 400 illegal workers. Unlike other critics of Agriprocessors, which the company has sought to dismiss as "radical" or "fringe" groups pursuing narrow agen- das, Grandin is a nationally renowned figure whose judgments were previ- ously touted when they were favorable to the company. After PETA released a similar undercover video shot in 2004, pressure mounted on Agriprocessors to have Grandin come and inspect its procedures, which she did two years later. Grandin concluded that the compa- ny had improved its proce- dures since the first video was shot, a fact publicized in news releases by both Agriprocessors and one of its supervising agencies, the Orthodox Union. "Temple [Grandin] is really impor- tant," said Rabbi Menachem Genack, the O.U.'s head of kosher supervision. "She's universally accepted. I think she's a very honest person. Generally, Temple is someone who is accepted as an arbiter in terms of these issues of animal welfare. She doesn't have an agenda against shechita [ritual slaugh- ter] in any way!" Grandin's latest remarks strike at one of the central public relations vehicles the company has employed in its struggle to restore its flagging rep- utation: tours of the plant. The largest of these was the rabbinic visit on July 31, paid for by Agriprocessors and organized by the National Council of Young Israel, an Orthodox synagogue group. After a three-hour tour, the rabbis concluded that the company's image as a chronic rule-breaker was inconsistent with reality. "The current situation at the Agriprocessors plant is diametrically opposed to the rumors and innuendos that we had heard before we got here Rabbi Pesach Lerner, the council's executive vice president, said follow- ing the visit. "We saw a state-of-the-art plant, a tremendous emphasis on safe- ty and excellent standards of kashrut. While we have no personal knowledge of what may or may not have hap- pened in the past, the Agriprocessors plant that we saw today is far different than what has been reported." Lerner declined to respond to Grandin's comments. But Genack said the Orthodox Union had opted not to participate in the July trip for fear of being used as Grandin had — as a tool to buttress the company's image. "It was meant to give confidence on the public relations side Genack said of the rabbinic visit. "We didn't want the O.U. to be either critic or apologist for [Agriprocessors' owner] Rubashkin. With all these issues remaining still unresolved, we didn't attend because wanted to be objective and separate from the story itself." Two O.U. rabbis accom- panied the rabbis on their tour, but Genack said they were there solely to illustrate the plant's kosher supervi- sion and he had specifically requested they not be iden- tified as members of the delegation. After filming the con- troversial method on Aug. 13, PETA, which makes no secret of its opposi- tion to all forms of animal slaughter, turned the footage over to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and pressed for an investigation. According to the department, a so-called "second cut" is permissible only under direct rabbinic supervision. Spokesperson Amanda Eamich said the department cited the corn- pany for a second-cut violation subsequent to Aug. 13, but said the violation was "not egregious" and that the company was presently in compliance. Agriprocessors has accused PETA of illegal conduct in producing the video, including breaking and entering, trespassing, industrial espionage and misrepresentation as an employee. PETA says the company is only try- ing to deflect attention from its own misconduct. "Our investigations are entirely lawful:' said Hannah Schein, a PETA investigations specialist. "Agriprocessors' conduct is not." ❑ She's an impo rtant, impa rtial exper t. L The stirring accomplishments of the past 6o years are a remarkable prelude to the promise of the future. Renew your bond with Israel by purchasing a State of Israel Bond during the High Holy Days, This is not an offering, which can be made only by prospectus. Read it carefully before investing to fully evaluate the risks associated with investing in State of Israel bonds. Issues subject to availability. Bobbi S. Elmer Paula Lebowitz Executive Director Registered Representative Registered Representative ISRAEL BONDS Member FINRA, SIP( Development Corporation for Israel State of Israel Bonds 29777 Telegraph, Suite 2415 Southfield, MI 48034 248 -352 -6555 • 888 - 352 - 6556 detroit0israelbonds.corn www. israelbonds. corn ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA MICHIGAN REGION WISHES TO EXPRESS THANKS TO: State Representative Marty Knollenberg for Michigan House Bill 4903, Divesting from Iran Act, that is now Public Act 232 State Representative Alma Smith for Michigan House Bill 4854, Divesting from Sudan Act, that is now Public Act 233 State Senator Cameron Brown for Michigan Senate Bill 846, Divestment from Terror Act, that is now Public Act 234 State Representative Steve Tobocman for his efforts in bringing the House and Senate versions together Governor Jennifer Granhohn for signing the bills into laws For more information contact ZOA @ 248 282 0088 or email: info@mizoa.org - - • Founded 1897 • In the front lines of Jewish activism • Is the most advocate for Israel on the American Jewish scene today according to the Wall Street Journal 1031130 September 25 a 2008 A57