Rubashkin from prison.

Sholom Mordechai ran the Iowa-based Agriprocessors kosher meat factory until it was closed down

by federal authorities in 2008. Subsequently, Rubashkin was arrested for defrauding a bank in order to

maintain a line of credit to keep the family business afloat. Unlike others charged with similar crimes,

Sholom Mordechai was not granted bail during his trial, was kept in solitary confinement for days, was

denied kosher food and access to religious items for significant periods of time. In addition, the banks

he defrauded had no complaint against him, because he made payments on time. The only crime was

allegedly falsifying business information in order to acquire the loans.

Despite his alleged wrongdoings, Rubashkin is clearly not a threat to society, yet he has been treated like a violent criminal. In June 2010, Sholom Mordechai Rubashkin was sentenced to 27 years imprisonment.

It is to this injustice that the wider Jewish community, and much of general America, has reacted so strongly. The American public expects its judicial system to be just and non-discriminatory. Sholom

Mordechai Rubashkin’s sentence is far harsher than his crime, and Judge Linda Reade’s decision

disappointed many Americans’ faith in their legal system.

The Rubashkin case has resulted in solidarity evenings, prayer gatherings and generous contributions to

Sholom Mordechai’s defense team. The injustice has bolstered widespread unity among people from all

walks of life. Why has this case touched so many hearts across the world?

A humble philanthropist and father of ten, Sholom Mordechai could have built himself an estate, taken

extravagant vacations and bought his children all the latest trends and gadgets. Instead, he chose to

support struggling institutions and individuals, fund a soup kitchen and open his home to those in need.

Sholom Mordechai is a righteous man who made a mistake, and that is something everyone can relate to. Sholom Mordechai must pay a price for his mistake, but 27 years incarceration, a virtual life sentence

for the 51 year old man, is excessive and unfair for a case where no one was hurt, and no one is in danger. The courts need to take into consideration the life that Sholom Mordechai lead, his legendary kindness and generosity, his wife and ten children who need their husband and father at home, and others who did the same bank defrauding and were sentenced to only a few months in prison.

Unity for Justice has united 30 Jewish musicians in a single musical production to promote universal

unity amongst Jewish and secular communities, in the hope and belief that unity and togetherness will

raise public awareness for Sholom Mordechai Rubashkin’s case, and increase donations to help fund his

legal team, who are now working to appeal Judge Linda Reade’s ruling.