A New York rabbi known for his ultra-Orthodox stance on circumcision is facing charges stemming from number of complaints received by the New York Police Department for illegally advocating and selling of foreskin of children as medicine for curing cancer and longevity effects.
Rabbi Aaron Zayin was arrested last week after exchanging messages with a federal agent posing as a client who has interest in purchasing “fresh baby foreskins.
Rabbi Zayin is believed to have sold an estimated number of 5,200 foreskins since 2015 when he started selling the pieces of human skin and advocating their aphrodisiac qualities as well as their miraculous cancer curing and longevity effects.
“He would sell them in small bags, fried in oil with added spices and salt, like little onion rings, which seemingly made them more palatable and easier to consume.”
According to the New York Police Department spokesman P.J. Hustler, although there is no law pertaining to the selling of human skin or foreskin, Zayin’s claims that his product could cure a number of diseases such as hemorrhoids, chronic flatulence, erectile dysfunction, and cancer made him liable to criminal charges.
“His product was so popular and in demand, he was forced to purchase foreskins from numerous synagogues around the country.” Officer P.J. Hustler added.
To supply to the demand, Rabbi Zayin would perform up to 40 Brit Milah’s a day, also known as “covenant of circumcision” in the Jewish faith, at his synagogue but also in his home garage, as well as local restaurants and even in public washroom areas.
“He harassed me and forced my poor son to have three circumcisions in three years. He barely has any skin left on his genitals.” A mother told reporters in tears.
All products that claim to prevent, diagnose, treat, mitigate or cure cancer must first be reviewed and approved by the FDA for safety and efficacy reasons.
If convicted, Zayin could face a $500,000 fine and up to 1,087 years in jail.