A furor arose in the Knesset this week after MK Ahmad Tibi published a video on social media showing him using utensils from the Knesset cafeteria to eat a non-kosher meal before beginning his Ramadan fast, Arutz Sheva reported. When Arutz Sheva first published the story, it sparked fierce reactions from Knesset members and public figures, who were furious about the violation of kashrus standards at a national institution. The B’Tzalmo organization wrote a letter to the Knesset’s Ethics Committee demanding that severe sanctions be imposed on Tibi. “This is an irresponsible and unprecedented act,” the letter stated. “Clear steps must be taken to prevent similar cases from recurring.” The Knesset Rabbi’s office stated that the matter is currently under investigation. In response to the forum, Tibi published a sardonic post on social media in which he quoted the Shulchan Aruch. “When the food is cold – it doesn’t treif up the utensil,” he wrote, adding words from the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De’ah, Siman צד ): “Cold –  does not emit and does not absorb.” Tibi “signed” the post with the words: “Rabbanim, supporters of Tibi.” Later, he also told the media: “If they don’t bring us food for the ‘Sahur’ meal during Ramadan [the pre-dawn meal eaten by Muslims before fasting], then we’ll bring it ourselves. No one has commented to us, and I am unaware of any such complaints. And to avoid doubt, these rolls are more delicious than kosher food, and that is scientifically proven,” he said. He added: “This Knesset is also Kahanist in general, and mainly, it is not kosher.” Knesset members from both the coalition and the opposition demanded that the Ethics Committee intervene in the matter, saying that the incident was disrespectful to the Knesset and the religious beliefs of many of its members, Arutz Sheva reported. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)