St. Louis, MO – Prison inmate Norman Lee Toler was a white supremacist who was once caught with seven photos of Adolf Hitler and a fresh "SS" tattoo. However, Toler went to federal court, saying he is Jewish and that his soul will be in jeopardy if he is forced to eat nonkosher food in prison.
Although the number of Jewish prisoners in Missouri may be small — only 60 or 70 of the almost 30,000 Missouri inmates have told prison officials that they're Jewish — the issue could have wide-ranging effects.
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A prison official testified that if the state is ordered to provide kosher meals, they may change the policy of accepting a prisoner's religion without verification.
And in court filings and testimony, they seemed wary of prisoners converting for the purpose of a special meal.
Toler was repeatedly denied kosher food, and as a result, Toler wrote, he was suffering "extreme malnutrition, weight loss, migraines, extreme anxiety, and feelings of worthlessness, dehumanization, persecution and the terror of eternal doom from the guilt of violating the fundamental tenets of his religion."
Missouri prison officials, have challenged the sincerity of Toler's religious beliefs. They've also argued that their policies are constitutional under a Supreme Court decision which said that judges must balance a prisoner's constitutional rights against compelling government interests, such as safety and cost.
Missouri's lawyers say that providing Toler or others with special food might slow meal lines and encourage pushing and shoving. And that Toler's special meals could cost two or more times the $2 or so it costs to feed an inmate for a day.
They also say that they have granted Toler alternative ways like kosher food in the prison canteen.
U.S. District Judge Jean C. Hamilton gave lawyers until Feb. 11 to file briefs, and may rule by the end of February. [stltoday]
1. I hope he doesn’t finagle his way out of work detail on shabbos–he’ll be oveir an issur.
2. Obviously, being a supporter of anti-Semites casts doubt on one’s Jewishness. Like, for example, if someone loves Ahmedinejad and Hamas. Oh, wait.
I personally know this person and all his cases… I also know that he is a white supremist and is by all means NOT Jewish!!! How in the world is it possible to be a ‘jewish Nazi’?! he actually lied to a Rabi to convert to judaism. Believe me when i say this, He is a manipulative lier and he’s completely Crazy!!!
I have full knowledge of this case
whom are you to decide if someone is trully a baal tshuvah?
What people don’t know is that Toler is two-time convicted child molester – which is why he is in prison! He deserves NO special treatment whatsoever – regardless of his religion. He didn’t care about the victims rights when he molested them – so why should he be given these special treatments.
MR.Toler’s arm may be neo-nazi, but his stomach is Jewish. (Or so he claims). Seriously, his [past] record should be checked [and verified]. He may be a nisguided, troubled Jewish kid. As shown in the movie “The Believer”, which was based on a true story.