Drama in the world of kashrut: The Papushdo Brothers company, through attorney Moshe Yitzhak Osditscher, appealed to Rabbi Binyamin Hota with a demand before taking legal action - following a series of public statements in which he claimed that the company's products "are not kosher for Passover.".
According to the letter, this is not a one-time statement, but rather repeated publications, which, according to the company, constitute a "false, untruthful and misleading advertising campaign," which has caused serious damage to its business reputation and public trust in its products.
In a letter sent by Attorney Osdeicher, it is claimed that the company's products are manufactured under strict kashrut supervision and are even defined as "strictly kosher for Passover," with the rabbis who granted them kosher status including the distinguished kashrut of Rabbi Mahfoud.
The company further emphasizes that the publications, which were made live, to a wide audience, are not an expression of opinion but rather a presentation of incorrect facts, without any factual basis.
It also states that the company also considers the advertisements to be "dangerous advertising from a halakhic and public perspective," which could mislead a broad public of consumers, especially during the period leading up to Passover, when the issue of kashrut is particularly sensitive. According to the company, the damage is not only image-related but also financial, and is already estimated to be significant.
As part of the demand, the company put the scope of the initial damage at approximately 3 million shekels, and noted that this was only a conservative estimate.
In addition, Rabbi Hota was required to immediately remove all publications, issue a clarification and public apology in a form that would be approved in advance, and undertake to avoid similar publications in the future.
Attorney Moshe Yitzhak Osditcher, representing the company, said: "This is not a single statement made in error, but rather repeated publications that create a false representation towards the public. When this is done repeatedly, and especially in a broad public broadcast, it is a real and ongoing harm to my client's good name. In a sensitive area like kosher for Passover, the responsibility is double and doubled.".
