BREAKING! RUBASHKIN FAMILY MEMBERS WILL CONTINUE PAID EMPLOYMENT WITH AGRIPROCESSORS, TRUSTEE SAYS

And that means…

…they paid before destitute workers who have already left Postville, not to mention local businesses they owe tens of thousands of dollars to.

I spoke with the trustee, Joseph Sarachek, Friday.

You can read all about it on Jewcy.com.

On a better note, Sarachek told me he hopes to bring in Dr. Temple Grandin to review slaughter procedures.

I told him Dr. Grandin has already called for 24/6 cameras for each slaughter area of Agriprocessors, with the video streaming live on the Internet. Sarachek was familiar with that technology and seemed open to installing it.

All this will depend on whether the plant reopens and then, if it does, if it stays open more than 2 or 3 weeks.

Comments

[Just a Goy]

Sarachek... What's wrong with this picture? I knew something was not right when you stepped in.

I knew this was going to lead to the same old mentality - nothing learned, is nothing gained.

[Just a Goy]

'Agriprocessors: The Gift That Keeps On Giving' - Jewcy.com

Couldn't have said it better...

[FirstGenerationBavarianAmerican]

The first question that comes to my mind is if Mr. Saracheck has ever walked into a distressed company where the company was looted into bankruptcy, faced criminal charges, had undicted co-conspiritors still working there, etc. If so, his job is a lot tougher than if he walked into a company that ran into tough times due to honest but incompetent management, changing industry conditions, etc. I know from first hand experience you just cannot walk into a large operation and run the place with any reasonable sort of productivity without people who know their way around the place.

Mr. Sarachek has already said he is trying to sell the place as an operating business. Being a court-appointed trustee, he can't buy all or part of the business himself. The creditors may get back more of their money this way than any other way.

I have seen 'transistion managers' pick the brains of middle level management, suck them dry, then spit them out. It will be interesting to see what happens here.

Just to clarify some facts. With all due respect, there is no such thing as the state police or any organization (In Iowa) that call themselves this. Furthermore, evacuating a school during a threat like this is not proper operating procedures and in fact, would create more of a danger if was to happen.

[Shmarya]

ust to clarify some facts. With all due respect, there is no such thing as the state police or any organization (In Iowa) that call themselves this.

You're correct. It should read county sheriff. I'll have it fixed. Thanks!

Furthermore, evacuating a school during a threat like this is not proper operating procedures and in fact, would create more of a danger if was to happen.

Not true – especially when the school is a target and the police are vastly undermanned.

Thanks for fixing it. I'm not going to get into details on any type of operating procedures, just that that isn't the answer and there are mulitple reasons it's not.
Take care.

[just wondering]

I asked Agriprocessors' trustee, Joseph Sarachek, if Rubashkin family members like Sholom M. Rubashkin's brother, Heshy (also an Agriprocessors VP) or Sholom M.'s son Getzel would be employed by the company if production restarts Monday or Tuesday.

"Yes," Sarachek said.

I asked him why.

"I need their experience," Sarachek replied.

Ditto for Chaim Abrahams, the Agriprocessors spokesman and would-be censor who Sarachek named point man for workers' questions.

EX-EMPLOYEES RUN, RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN. THIS PLACE WILL NEVER CHANGE AS LONG AS YOU HAVE INFLUENCES WITH BAD BEHAVIOR AND CRIMINAL TIES!!!!

[critical_minyan]

i think under new management the company can do better. I dont think these guys will play any more games as they see that the book is being thrown at hard at Sholom for the games he tried to get away with.
They will be compliant to a fault.
The game is over for them and they know it.

[krewz]

Just Wondering: do you work in Agri? Do you work at all?? or your part of the crowd that sits in their underpants and blogs all day?

[Isa]

Regarding the threat against the Jewish school in Postville as mentioned in previous posts e.g 11-30-08 2:34PM & 2:41PM

Protect yourselves! There is no Police force that will protect 24/7

Please see this Web site www.jpfo.org/
Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership.
Some of their propaganda is over the top, of course.
Get a 20ga shotgun-just about anybody can handle that. One does not need a bullet that can travel for a mile.
For a pistol -get a revolver-maybe 357 but with 38 Special rounds -Stainless Steel frame of course.
Pick up "IN THE GRAVEST EXTREME" available on EBAY too!
Go to the range and shoot the stuff-so you get familiar with your firearm(s)
In Iowa, I believe Concealed Handgun License(s) are available-go thru the process and get licensed!
Keep the guns in a combination gun vault when not needed so kids don't get into that stuff.
In India there is STRICT gun control- Only police and military can have firearms-Here in the USA its different.
Don't flash your guns-better the enemy comes at you with a baseball bat and you get to SURPRISE him.
Flash your guns and he might get an assault rifle.
Isa
STAND TALL and quit shaking in fear because of shadows

[The Hebrew Hammer]

The whole "threat" thing was total bullshit, I wouldn't trust anything some redneck Pov (Poverty Stricken Citizen) told that douchebag Jeff Abbas. And the only reason you (Shmarya Rosenberg) make it a big deal is because your a self-hating Jew who didn't like being a Chassid and now your blogging about all of Agri's troubles from your parents basement, you little pussy faggot.

Hebrew Hammer...OUT!

[Phyl]

The new trustee can get himself arrested now.

With Rubashkins at work, they will not be able to stop their crime spree but this time it will be the responsibility of the one who hired the crooks and he will get arrested and charged with negligence of knowingly hiring known the Rubashkin criminals, to continue their criminla acrtivity.

Just Wondering: do you work in Agri? Do you work at all?? or your part of the crowd that sits in their underpants and blogs all day?

Posted by: krewz | November 30, 2008 at 03:30 PM

krewz: maybe i do and maybe i don't wear underwear, what's it to you? what i do is none of your business, happy holidays

This site is rather commical. It's kind of fun, I feel like I'm in middle school again. I just wish people would base their opinions on facts. Everyone hase to remember that this site is not full of facts, rather an opinion of someone that uses some facts (sometimes); and whether you like his opinions or not, we look at it. I have no doubt in my mind that Mr. Rosenberg wants to have his opinions based on only facts, but sometimes the only thing people have to go off of are others opinions when getting a story. Just remember, it's not really a news agency, but rather a blog. Please be respectful when giving your opinions... Everyone.

To hebrew hammer:

Doesn't it bother you that many of us lost our grand parents and great grandparents because of antisemitism caused by this type of crookedness!!! You are an idiot!!

[nachos]

Apologies to Yochanan and Hashem

And along came Nafta creating hardship for all the peasants in South America.

And then they said let's go to Postville were we can work hard and be treated well. So the migration began and they worked hard for the 1st Pharoh (Don Hunt.)

Don Hunt treated the workers well. He always had time for everyone and was a righteous boss.

Unfortunately, Don Hunt died and the second Pharoah did not know the hard work that the people had done for the company and he began to oppress them...

Everyone else knows the rest of the story!!

[FirstGenerationBavarianAmerican]

Phyl, I don't think any of the people who the trustee intends to hire have been convicted of any crimes. The trustee is in a tight spot if too many of the existing employees who know the nuts and bolts of the place are carrying too much "baggage". I certainly hope for the town that the trustee had a previous appointment which included experience dealing with white collar crime.

[justice seeker]

Threat or no threat, I think the citizens of my state have been remarkably law abiding. I had the misfortune to read a crown heights blg to try and gain greater understanding, and I confess I don't understand the Rubashkins being portrayed as morally upright victims, and the victims of anti-semitism. In fact I don't think these folks could continue in business without the support of their community. That support is more concerning than the actions of the Rubashkins.

[Anon]

--…they paid before destitute workers who have already left Postville, not to mention local businesses they owe tens of thousands of dollars to.--

you are a moron. Sarachek is correct that bankruptcy law restricts his ability to pay pre-petition liabilities, including back wages. As far as the Rubashkins being employed, it would be suicide not to employ them. Not so much for their expertise as much as he needs to try to preserve the company's goodwill.

[concerned for the Postville area]

he needs to try to preserve the company's goodwill.

What goodwill?

[WoolSilkCotton]

+++Hebrew Hammer...OUT!

Posted by: The Hebrew Hammer | November 30, 2008 at 03:40 PM+++

Without even mentioning the vulgarities that you seem to depend upon in order to make a statement, the fact that you've created your own sign-off slogan tells us all we need to know about you.

Typical. Really just typical. It will all come to an end and the sleazy house of cards will come falling down when these criminals have their day in federal court. I hope they get nothing but pork sausage in jail.

[omg]

Anon, you're calling names again!! What's with that?? Did you forget already, that rule #5 is, 'No name calling"?? Is altzheimer's already setting in, forgetting alot in the short-term memory?? Remember that one blog ago you were reminded that the rules state that there is no name-calling?? And you forgot already?? Hmmm, that is against Torah, you're not supposed to do anything hateful to another that you would find hateful if done to you. Do you want others to call you names?? Now now, Anon, get with the program!!

[Just a Goy]

I've know Jeff for eons... he and I both come from strong media backgrounds... He is, without question, a man of honor, character and integrity. He cares deeply about all of you - jew, gentile - it doesn't matter to Jeff who you are, as he sees all of you, as one-in-the same - community.

Back when Jeff was working in my region, he maintained the same work standards, ethics and dedication you're experiencing in Postville (and the adjacent communities). Any of you who perceive him as a divisive person, within your community, you just don't realize just how lucky you really are and what Jeff's true mission in life is all about. He is a major talent, bar none; program director and manager, advocate, a hand to the needy, and much, much, more. His heart and soul, his deeds are unquestionably sincere and selfless.

In other words, you're d*mn lucky to have such a fine man of such a high caliber, and credentials in your community.

He is a true gentleman - compassionate. And when considering how little he's being compensated for all that he does and puts up with, what he does receive, simply equates to tokenism when you take into account his knowledge and experience, as well as his compassion.

The next time you see Jeff on the street, take the time to personally thank him for all he's done and continues to do, even if you may disagree with him at times. He only seeks what is right.

And to any KPVL board members who may be reading this - you'll never know what an asset Jeff is until he's gone. As GM/PD he needs AND must be included in any and all meetings, at all times - this defined by the FCC. You violate those standards, and you run the risk of losing your license, your station - if you continue to exclude him from such conclaves. Let it be known, here and now - It is he who is called upon the Commission (FCC) to report. And it is he who is held accountable. But as board members, if you exclude him, you run the risk of personally being held responsible, liable for violating the terms of your license, leading to potential fines to the station, to you as a board member, and your unquestionable removal by the Commission.

Furthermore, anyone who has little interest in the station's content or operation, you needn't be on the board, as it is counter productive. If you maintain a seat merely for your ego, resign, as you do nothing that benefits your community nor your station and its people.

In cities who have public radio stations, people must have qualification, credentials and a true desire and ability to contribute to its operation (both intellectually and financially).

And that goes for your reproting of the news... under your charter you have an obligation, a requirement for producing news, on a regular basis - and not news that is censored to protect Agri. That in itslef is a clear and unquestiobale violation.

Furthermore, those who have a vested interest in Agri should NOT be on the board, especially given the conflicts, contriversy and misery Agri has brought upon your comunity, especially when one is rarely present at such meetings. Given what has happened in your community, such association jeopardizes your very existence, and let it be known, the FCC frowns on such inappropriate behavior, activities and influences, and will see it for what it is - inaproriate and ileagle.

Honor Jeff for what he is and has done for all.

You have a man of infinite value and wisdom at your disposal.

Use him wisely.

BTW: Jeff has no idea I have written this (that is until he reads it). I mean what everything that I've said - it is truly an honor to know him, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart.

[Anon]

--Anon, you're calling names again!!--

Anon is short for Anonymous.

Did it occur to you that just MAYBE there are multiple people posting anonymously?

--Hmmm, that is against Torah--

Actually, Torah mandates that we identify idiots, so that they not be allowed to be witnesses or enter into kiddushin or......

[Just a Goy]

And if I could only spell...! Excuse the typos, as they should NOT have any impact on the true meaning of my words.

It is he who is called upon (by) the Commission (FCC) to report.

In cities which have public radio stations, people must have qualification(s), credentials and a true desire and ability to contribute to its operation (both intellectually and financially), (to sit upon boards). (You must have a personal interest in its function and content (the station). (Simply put - If you don't listen, you don't belong.)

[Just a Goy]

Anon, my brother... please, be less acidic with words. I understand your passion and believe it or not, I do agree with somethings you say. Consider, you can be far more successful in getting people to understand your position and posturing when taking a slightly different approach.

Anon, In one aspect, this is a shul of sorts - is it not community? Lets us ALL try to communicate in a manner that is more conducive to such an environment.

Your contributions promotes an approach from a slightly differing vantage. You have the vocabulary and wisdom G-d gave you - let's all try to use it ;-)

And Archie, where are you? I miss your input, your research, your presence.

[sparky]

Anon- your posts remind me of....Getzel!! Name calling, nit-picking- is it you, Getzel?!

[Anon]

--Anon, my brother... please, be less acidic with words--

Pound sand, goy-boy

[Just a Goy]

Anon,

Didn't expect you to stoop that low.

I was reaching out to you - not insulting you - not belittling you - only a hand in friendship. I believe you'd agree, there're some on FM who could express themselves in more conducive mannerisms.

Don't see what I said as an insult nor disrespectful.

Again, I 'm here as a friend, not foe.

Or were you just simply screwing with me?!!

[quality control 2nd shift trainer]

I know for a fact that agri is not going to run anymore four weeks from tomarrow. If you want to be just as bad off as you are now (people going back to work there) go back work for four weeks, or less, and do it all over again. Me and others I know are not going back untill the company has been bought out. I have a family that depends on me to bring in money not lies. I hope I see my back pay, but I doubt it. Wont really matter I owe so much to family and late payment fees. D.T.A. thats the lesson learned, dont trust anyone!

[FirstGenerationBavarianAmerican]

Just a Goy - Take a look at the latest Form 323-E for KPVL. I think you may find it interesting.

[Jerome Soller]

It sounds like Sarachek is making reasonable decisions. At this point, now that the Rubashkin family no longer controls the finances, it makes sense for them and everyone involved to make Agri successful, so they can get a good selling price. I see no problem here at all! Shmarya, what concrete steps would you do differently!?

Jerome

[Shmarya]

I see no problem here at all! Shmarya, what concrete steps would you do differently!?

I certainly would not employ people who have caused such damage to others, and who are truly hated by so many rank and file workers.

[State of Postville III]

Just to clarify Iowa does have state police. It is the Iowa Highway Patrol. They are very familiar with Postville as they have been called here numerous times for stabbings, alcohol-related accidents etc. The community has survived drunken behavior, car accidents, and other crimes related to the work force at Agri. We had to have special council meetings to address crime issues especially when the Indians were here for a short time, but Agri did send them back to Nebraska as they were not very community minded.

[Lil'bird]

Why should any of these employees return until they are paid in full? They want to sell it as an operating plant, so to do it you must have people there that know the ropes. They will not return until paid for all the hard work they had previously done for Agri.

IF they return, they will be paid back wages in dibs and dabs until back wages are paid. I doubt that the plant will remian in operation long enough for this to happen and the emploees will again be out the monies owed to them, most likely more than before.

NO ONE should return to Agri unless everyone is paid in full. No one will apply there for a job because the whole world knows that they ripped off workers, in more ways than one, so good damn luck in getting enough people to run production, even on a limited basis.

There is NO light at the end of this tunnel as long as the Rubaskins remain in tact. They shouldn't see a dime of pay until the workers are paid in full for all the hard labor they have done.

NO law abiding citizen wants to work for an orginization that is riddled with crime, hell you could be doing your job and get sucked into this without even knowing it!

[Lil'bird]

Mr. Sarachek is being paid thousands per WEEK to get this mess cleared up. If they can come up with money for him and the Rubashkins, then why not back pay for all the workers??

Stay the hell away from there! Get your monies that are owed to you before considering returning to work.

Culver needs t contact the Judge and let him know that people are suffering because of this little stunt that they pulled! Maybe the govenor's influence could help.

[Isa]

Somebody would have to be nuts to BUY Agiprocessors with ALL the liability and such.
A much better option is an ASSET sale where all the stuff and building are bought FROM Agiprocessors but NOT the actual company.
In such a case, guess if any back wages etc etc will ever be paid then.

[Archie Bunker]

Here's is another minimum $3 million in fines that Agri itself is liable for.

How can the business be "sold" when there might be nothing left to sell? Unless that is the govt makes the sale after seizing it.

http://omaha.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/2008/om112108.htm

Agriprocessors faces a possible maximum penalty on the conspiracy to harbor charge of a fine of the greater of $500,000 or twice the pecuniary gain from the offense. On the harboring charge, it faces a fine of the greater of $500,000 or twice the pecuniary gain from the offense. On the conspiracy to commit document fraud charge, it faces a fine of the greater of $500,000 or twice the pecuniary gain from the offense. On the aiding and abetting document fraud charge, it faces a fine of the greater of $500,000 or twice the pecuniary gain from the offense. On each of the aiding and abetting aggravated identity theft charges, it faces a fine of the greater of $500,000 or twice the pecuniary gain from the offense. On each of the bank fraud charges, it faces a fine of the greater of $1,000,000 or twice the loss caused.

[Archie Bunker]

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20081129/NEWS/81129010/1001/NEWS

Riley said the packers who belong to the American Meat Institute process 90 percent of the U.S. market's meat. However, she said, Agriprocessors is not a member.

http://www.meatami.com/

Not surprising considering they follow safety guidelines and cooperate with the govt.

[Anon]

--Somebody would have to be nuts to BUY Agiprocessors with ALL the liability and such.--

Someone would have to be nuts or completely ignorant of bankruptcy rules to make the above statement. The beauty of buying a company that is in bankruptcy is that you can buy it free and clear of all prior claims. It is the most risk free method of buying a business. An asset sale outside of bankruptcy does not guaranty that you have not bought into any liabilities.

[Anon]

--I certainly would not employ people who have caused such damage to others, and who are truly hated by so many rank and file workers.--

You also would have pissed any any remaining value that may be left and could be used to pay Agri's liabilities, including to its employees. The only hope of anyone beyond the secured creditors being paid anything is if Agri is maintained as a viable business and that is only possible if some degree of Agri's goodwill is preseved. Whether you like it or not, to do that he needs the Rubashkins.

[Curious Postville Native]

This tragedy seems reminiscent of another Biblical story - The Story of Moses. I've observed people often use phrases such as "written in stone", "a Rabbi with a long, flowing beard" and "Pharaoh" when posting. The oppressor, however, is markedly different this time . . . a role reversal of sorts.

[The Ass Kissing is Over]

Do not get fooled again by Agri. I would suggest to any past employee to look for a GOOD job elsewhere.
Anyone who is owed back pay from Agri does have a ligitimate legal claim, so hopefully they will all receive the back pay someday, somehow.
It seems to me that through the years this type of jewish business has used their religion to get away with wrongdoings done to others. I also feel that these people seem to feel that they are untouchable and arrogant in some way.
I would hope that Mr Rubashkin gets all that is coming to him in court, and in prison. Maybe it will prove to these people that religion is not an excuse to get away with everything.
You can't just shit on everybody like that!
We will all have to answer for what we do in this life, no matter what religion you are!! Trust in that.

[Curious Postville Native]

In retrospect, I realize some people are vulnerable to behavior reminiscent of Ramsees. When people become greed ridden, they often sacrifice their relationship with G-d.

[Archie Bunker]

What was Kachanes doing in Postville?

How did Shmarya miss this one?

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/29/nyregion/29chabad.html

Two months ago, a fire damaged the red brick Brooklyn home of Rabbi Holtzberg’s parents, Noah and Freida, said Joel Forta, who had lived next door until the fire forced him out. The rabbi’s father, he said, is a retired shochet, a kosher butcher, who now teaches young men how to slaughter animals according to Jewish law. His mother works six days a week at a store in Borough Park.

The parents had eight children, including Gavriel, Mr. Forta said. Another son, Avraham, he recalled, survived a savage stabbing in Postville, Iowa, in 2000. The assailant, Ronni Kachanes, who had been invited to the Holtzberg home for dinner and attacked Mr. Holtzberg there without apparent reason, was later sentenced to life, court records show.

http://bulk.resource.org/courts.gov/states/Iowa.Ct.App/02-0590.asp.html

While at the synagogue in Postville, Iowa, Ronni Kachanes sought an invitation to dinner from teacher Avraham Holtzberg and his family. Holtzberg agreed Kachanes could come to dinner, and the two walked to Holtzberg’s house together. Before dinner was served, Kachanes complained he was not feeling well and went downstairs to rest. He remained downstairs for the rest of the night, not coming up for dinner. The Holtzberg family went to bed about 9:00 p.m. after checking on Kachanes a couple of times.

At about 8:00 a.m. the next morning, Holtzberg found Kachanes awake in the living room. The two went into the kitchen to have coffee. As Holtzberg prepared the coffee, he was attacked from behind and stabbed repeatedly in the neck, chest and back. Holtzberg’s screams woke up his wife, who found her husband lying on the kitchen floor bleeding with Kachanes standing next to him. She pushed Kachanes from the room and called 911. Kachanes was arrested later that morning and was charged with attempted murder and willful injury. After a trial, a jury found Kachanes guilty of both charges, and the district court sentenced him to twenty-five years for the attempted murder conviction and ten years for the willful injury conviction.

[Curious Postville Native]

As G-d parts this vast Red Sea, I see similarities between the loss of Ramsees son and the incarceration of Sholom-- separated from his family, perhaps for his lifetime . . . a result of greed.

[Yochanan Lavie]

Nachos: Good parody!

[Archie Bunker]

Speaking about greed and parallels, the ancient Egyptians were the Black grandchildren of Biblical figure Ham.

http://www.examiner.com/x-1800-Detroit-City-Buzz-Examiner~y2008m11d30-Black-Friday-stampede-death-and-blase-attitude-is-a-greater-black-mark-on-humanity

Here's what happened during the post-Thanksgiving shopping event called Black Friday.

A Wal-Mart store in the Black neighborhood of Valley Stream NY opened at 5 am. Thousands of greedy savages looking for low prices on electronic playthings, broke the doors down and trampled a man to death. They proceeded to trample anyone who tried to rescue him, even emergency workers.

When Police tried to clear the store, the savages kept shopping. When officers started to force them out, a riot almost erupted.

"Lookers-on in the video were recorded laughing and commenting casually about the event."

[Curious Postville Native]

. . . And another similarity between the stories, is the party after Sholom's release from custody. This reminds me of when Moses descended from Mount Sinai only to discover the people had turned on G-d. After a final comparison of the silver coins found in the Sholom's home and the golden calf idol the Israelites were worshiping, I am left with an emptiness in my heart for a family whom I once held in high regard.