From: Doveret Anonymous [dover@anonymous. org.il]
January 10, 2008
First "Animal Rights Day" marked by The Knesset (Israeli parliament) as a
day without meat in restaurants
The day's events included a discussion of 10 bills promoting animal
protection, a meat-free day in Knesset restaurants, and more then one
quarter of Knesset members signing "The Declaration of Animal Rights"
The Israeli organization for Animal Rights, Anonymous, organized the first
Animal Rights Day in the Knesset on January 1 2008, in which artists, animal
advocacy organizations, and 15 Members of Knesset from all ranges of the
political spectrum were present, including two senior ministers � Acting
Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Tzipi Livni, and Minister of
Agriculture Shalom Simhon. The highlight of the event was the launching of
"The Declaration of Animal Rights", which states:
"Out of a ethical recognition of the fact that animals go through countless
experiences similar to those experienced by all of us � agony and joy, fear
and happiness, curiosity and boredom, social contacts, parent-offspring
attachment and more � I hold that there is no justification for ignoring the
basic needs of animals, and that it is our duty as humans and as a society
to take action to protect their basic rights. These rights include, among
others, the right not to suffer violence, hunger and thirst, the right for
living in a space allowing free movement, and the right for natural
behavior.
I believe the state of Israel has the duty to protect the rights of the
animals, and pledge to try to adopt habits in my personal life as well, that
will prevent harm to animals."
The declaration was eventually signed by more than one quarter of Knesset
members, including four ministers and prominent legislators of all political
divisions. Anonymous aims to collect half a million signatures in the next
five years, and at the same time, intends to promote bills protecting the
rights of animals, such as the right not to suffer hunger and thirst, the
right for a living space allowing free movement, and so forth. Particularly
significant was the support of Tzipi Livni, a declared vegetarian who has
greatly assisted in the struggle for banning force-feeding of geese in
Israel.
Vegetarian Legislators � for a Day
The initiative to organize a "meat, chicken and fish free" day in the
Knesset cafeteria was led by Knesset member Yoel Hasson, chairman for the
Lobby for the Protection of Animals, member of the ruling party ("Kadima").
Some Knesset members complained when faced with the choice between a
vegetarian lasagna and rice-stuffed pepper, but most accepted this
approvingly. Anonymous intends to make sure that no meat is served in the
cafeteria in future Animal Rights days as well, as an important reminder to
legislators that the food industry is where most animals are harmed.
Excerpt from the speech given by Gaya Goldberg, Anonymous spokeswoman: "The
right to live in welfare is relevant to every sentient being. Though there
are differences between the needs of different animals, it is obvious that
when you live your entire life crammed in a tiny cage, exposed to sudden and
severe violence, being mutilated without anesthesia, starved or force-fed,
secluded or placed subjected to overcrowding, the elementary requirement for
welfare cannot be met. Unfortunately, such is the reality of life for more
then 300 million animals annually in Israel, that are harmed mostly in the
meat, eggs and dairy industries, and in testing laboratories. Their
exploitation, while it still lasts, must be subject to ethical 'red lines'.
The animals exploited on farms and in laboratories also deserve basic rights
that may not be annulled for considerations of comfort and profit."
Pictures of the event:
http://www.anonymou s.org.il/ knesset-p2. htm
Anonymous website (in English, Hebrew, or Arabic):
http://www.anonymou s.org.il/ english.htm
http://www.anonymou s.org.il/
http://www.hayawan. org/
For further details: Gaya Goldberg, Anonymous spokeswoman:
dover@anonymous. org.il
054-6256878
