Agudath Israel of America: Four species was allowed entry to the United States

Rabbi Abba Cohen, Agudath Yisrael of America's representative in Washington, met last weekend in Washington with leaders of the American Department of Homeland Security, to refresh the understandings reached about allowing four species in areas of the United States.

As is well known, American law prohibits the borders of the United States to bring fruits and vegetables or raw diet. Penalty for such offense comes to $ 250 and the product is banned. Hence, every year during the holiday season encounter Jews who come to the airports in the United States and in possession of four species, difficult problems. Customs inspectors confiscated the species and penalized the owner.

Due to the large number of complaints each year about four species confiscation and fines received by passengers who arrived in United States airports, Agudath Yisrael of America has decided to take preventative measures and refresh understanding regarding the case.

We discussed that returns detailed will be sent to all inspectors in all airports, circular contains images of four species so customs officials can identify them, the circular also states that the product is connected to religion and therefore should be treated with caution, "said Rabbi Abba Cohen," all important to know that the four species , do not appear in the list of products to the United States are not allowed, and has to explain to the customs officer, I suggest to anyone experiencing a problem ask to speak with the Commissioner of Customs inspectors, "concluded Rabbi Cohen.

Veteran Orthodox Travel Agent says to behadrey haredim, "People take four species with them, I know from years of experience that customs officials at JFK recognize the phenomenon and usually ignore the four species, unless you fall for a sleepy and tired customs officer at five in the morning. Other airports such as Newark airport, Nov Philadelphia airport or border crossing between Canada and the United States each year there are a lot of problems. It is important that people know their rights. Usually they will be asked to show the etrog, the passenger remove the cover and out of the box and allow the customs officer to check if it is not 'infected', if lulav or etrog are not infected, they can pass. If the customs official insisted to handle four species itself, and you have four species impair concern, ask to speak to a senior customs inspector.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!