Amid heightened security tensions and severe disruptions in global aviation, HaGaon HaRav Shlomo Machpud, the Gaavad of Yoreh De’ah, ordered an unprecedented logistical operation costing hundreds of thousands of dollars to bring dozens of shochtim of Badatz Yoreh De’ah home to Israel from South America in time for Pesach, Kikar H’Shabbat reported.

The weeks before Rosh Chodesh Nissan are the peak of activity in the kashrus world. Tons of kosher meat must be supplied to hundreds of thousands of families in Israel, and the shechita operations in South America run around the clock. This year, due to the war and severe disruptions in international flights, dozens of staff members working in Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil, and Chile found themselves uncertain about how they would return home as flight after flight was canceled.

The Badatz administration faced two difficult options: halt shechita early and bring the shochtim home via indirect routes—risking shortages in meat supply—or continue shechita operations and risk leaving dozens of shochtim abroad for Yom Tov, far from their families. The decision was brought to HaRav Machpud, who, after hearing the details, rejected both options. Under his instruction, a dedicated aircraft was chartered to gather all staff members and bring them back to Israel.

This was an exceptional move requiring an investment of hundreds of thousands of dollars, but the directive was unequivocal: the financial burden would not be passed on to the public, and every effort would be made to ensure that all staff members could spend Yom Tov at home with their families. “Our responsibility is to bring each one home,” Rav Machpud said.

Once the decision was made, the Badatz headquarters effectively became an operational command center. A charter plane was arranged to depart from Madrid, chosen as a central hub for connecting flights from South America. Shochtim and staff members began arriving there via complex connecting routes, while the Badatz arranged hotel accommodations near the airport to allow for rest before departure.

In another step reflecting responsibility for the broader kashrus world, organizers announced that any remaining seats on the flight would be offered to kashrus personnel from other Badatz organizations stranded abroad. Additionally, a backup plan was prepared for those unable to reach Madrid in time: they would be hosted over Pesach by the Jewish kehilla in Gibraltar.

HaRav Benayahu Machpud, the Gaavad’s son and head of international shechita operations, coordinated the logistics to ensure every staff member received timely assistance.

Barring unexpected delays, the plane is expected to land in Israel on Thursday evening, concluding a complex operation that underscored a clear value: concern for individuals comes before all other considerations.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)