Facing mounting fears of Iranian-backed terror attacks, the UAE has mandated security guards for every kashrut supervisor, forcing kosher agencies to raise costs and Jewish communities to tighten safety measures.
The United Arab Emirates has quietly rolled out a sweeping new security directive: every kashrut supervisor overseeing food production must now be accompanied by a mandatory security guard.
The move comes as intelligence warnings mount over possible terror plots by Iran and its proxies targeting Jewish and Israeli institutions across the Gulf.
Kashrut agencies confirmed the order, noting that compliance is non-negotiable. To cover the extra expense, the agencies informed companies that kosher supervision fees will rise by $100 per day per visit.
“This is not optional,” said an Israeli kashrut official. “The authorities require us to follow the security protocol. Without a guard, we cannot send supervisors to any factory.”
The sense of unease has deepened in recent weeks. A veteran kashrut supervisor in the UAE described heightened tensions since the murder of Chabad emissary Rabbi Zvi Kogan, with authorities urging Jewish residents to avoid public spaces whenever possible.
The latest directive underscores both the growing terror threat in the Gulf and the delicate balance Jewish institutions must maintain as they continue their activities under tightening security.
