The Rabbinical Alliance of America — Igud HaRabbonim, representing over 950 Orthodox rabbis across the United States — respectfully calls upon President Donald Trump and his administration to grant an exemption from tariffs for religious items, particularly matzah imported from Israel, which Jewish families urgently need for the upcoming Passover holiday.
Passover, a cornerstone of Jewish observance, mandates the consumption of matzah, unleavened bread that symbolizes both the suffering and redemption of the Jewish people. For many American Jewish families, particularly those who adhere to strict religious dietary standards, imported Israeli matzah is an essential and irreplaceable part of their religious observance.
New tariffs on Israeli goods will significantly increase the cost of matzah, placing a financial burden on families and religious institutions that strive to uphold their traditions. The Rabbinical Alliance of America urges the administration to recognize the unique religious significance of matzah, tefillin, mezuzah scrolls and other essential religious items and to exempt them from these tariffs, ensuring that Jewish communities across the nation can properly fulfill their religious obligations without undue hardship.
“We deeply appreciate President Trump’s longstanding friendship with the Jewish community, his unequivocal support for Israel and his unwavering commitment to religious freedom,” said Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice president of the Rabbinical Alliance of America. “As Passover approaches, we appeal to his administration to grant an exemption for matzah and other religious articles so that Jewish families can observe this sacred holiday and all their religious practices in accordance with their faith.”
The Rabbinical Alliance of America stands ready to work with the administration to facilitate this exemption and to ensure that religious communities can continue to practice their faith without unnecessary economic barriers.