On Wednesday, December 20, President Donald Trump commuted the prison sentence of Iowa kosher meatpacking executive Shalom Rubashkin, who was sentenced to 27 years in prison for money laundering back in 2009. The commutation is Trump’s first in office and comes following the encouragement of multiple members of Congress and other high-ranking officials who argued the sentence was too harsh. Rubashkin was convicted in 2009 of financial fraud for bilking the plant’s bank by submitting fake invoices that made the company’s finances appear healthier than they were so that it could borrow more. His prosecution came after federal authorities raided the plant and arrested 389 illegal immigrants in 2008. Rubashkin’s long-time attorney Guy Cook praised the decision, saying his client “has finally received justice.” “The sentence previously imposed was unfair, unjust and essential a life sentence,” he said via email. “President Trump has done what is right and just. The unrelenting efforts on Rubashkin’s behalf have finally paid off.”
The White House released the following statement: Today, President Donald J. Trump commuted the prison sentence of Sholom Rubashkin, an action encouraged by bipartisan leaders from across the political spectrum, from Nancy Pelosi to Orrin Hatch.
Mr. Rubashkin is a 57-year-old father of 10 children. He previously ran the Iowa headquarters of a family business that was the countrys largest kosher meat-processing company. In 2009, he was convicted of bank fraud and sentenced thereafter to 27 years in prison. Mr. Rubashkin has now served more than 8 years of that sentence, which many have called excessive in light of its disparity with sentences imposed for similar crimes.
Rubashkin arrived to his home in Monsey shortly after being released. He then boarded a bus with his family and headed to Boro Park, where his parents reside. Thousands of people were waiting to greet him with music, singing and dancing. The crowd erupted as he exited the bus and hundreds of people packed the home of his father as they awaited his arrival.
It was a packed Beit Medrash at 770 on Thursday morning, as hundreds came to partake in the continued celebration of the release of Rubashkin. Rubashkin received an aliya by Kriyat Hatorah, followed by the bracha of HaGomel.
On Friday, Rubashkin visited New Square, where he met with the Skverer Rebbe at his home. Following the meeting, Rubashkin went outside, as thousands filed past him to shake his hand and wish him well.
Meanwhile, in West Palm Beach, Florida, dozens of people lined the sidewalks as the Trump motorcade passed by on the way to Mar-a-Lago, where the President will be for the weekend. Signs were handed out to the crowd, thanking the President for commuting the sentence.
Rubashkin spent Shabbat at the home of his parents, and once again, people were eager to greet him. On Motzaei Shabbat, the house was packed as Rubashkin made his first havdalah as a free man.
Rubashkin’s father and children then joined the Munkatcher Rebbe at his Beit Medrash on 14th Avenue for singing and dancing.
(YWN contributed to this report)
Shalom Rubashkin Is Free!
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