The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations in America (the Orthodox Union), the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization representing nearly 1,000 synagogues nationwide applauds Congressman Howard Berman for his letter to Egyptian prime minister Essam Sharaf.

Earlier this month, the Egyptian government banned the export of palm fronds, also called lulavim and used for ritual purposes during the upcoming holiday of Sukkot, with the stated purpose to limit over-harvesting of palm trees. In his letter, Congressman Berman concedes the importance of good agricultural policy, but points out that banning exports so close to Sukkot raises concerns of “purely political motivations.”

Berman concludes:

“I urge your government to reassess in a timely manner the decision to impose an export ban and take all necessary steps to prevent any disruption in the supply of lulavs before Sukkot.”

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