A prison in Scotland has seen a record number of inmates declare they have "converted" to Judaism, just so they could request kosher meals, local media reported. According to the officials in Glenochil Prison in Clackmannanshire, Scotland, more than 100 inmates have signed up to receive kosher meals, despite the fact that between 2013 and 2014, only nine Jewish individuals were incarcerated in Scottish jails. Glenochil spokesperson Tom Fox said the inmates declared to had converted to Judaism to receive kosher food, which they deem "nicer." "Until now, we have had minimal presence of Jewish inmates; however that number has recently seen a sharp increase," Fox said. "By law the prison is required to provide the kosher meals to the prisoners if they identify themselves as Jews," he explained According to Fox, providing kosher meals to the prisoners is a logistic hassle as the prison kitchen is not kosher, so the food is provided by a third party and therefore costs more. "I dont think the prisoners themselves understand the preparation that has to go into providing a kosher meal," Fox said. "The meals are outsourced since the prison does not have a kosher kitchen. The meals cost much more than regular prison fare," he explained. Nevertheless, Fox warned that the prisoners may regret their request as the Jewish palate is not necessarily compatible with the Scottish one. "They assume that from now on they will receive better food, but that is not always the case. As for the prison we are obligated by our job, so if someone says they are of a particular religion, we are not allowed to question that."
Hungry for kosher meals, Scottish inmates 'convert' to Judaism
Glenochil Prison official says more than 100 inmates declare to have converted to Judaism to receive kosher food, thinking it is "nicer" • "If someone says they are of a particular religion, we are not allowed to question that," prison spokesperson says.
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