Aaron Rubashkin, founder of Agriprocessors dies in New York of Coronavirus

Former Postville resident, Aaron Rubashkin, 92, died last week in Crown Heights, New York. Rubashkin, who relocated to Postville in the 1980’s, was the founder and owner of Agri-Processors Kosher meet packing plant. He passed away from the Coronavirus.

He was best known for the slaughterhouse and meat packaging factory, Agriprocessors, that he founded in 1987 in Postville.
Managed by two of his sons and a son-in-law, it was the largest kosher meat operation in the country with distribution centers in Brooklyn and Miami, Florida.

With the operation of the plant, Rubashkin employed many Jews who moved with their families to Postville. He and his family built a vibrant Jewish community with a shul, and schools. The Rubashkin family was also known for their generosity, giving to many Jewish institutions and causes. He also gave to families in need around the country.

Following the Immigration and customs Enforcement (ICE) Raid in 2008, the plant stopped operation and the firm filed for bankruptcy. Agriprocessors was bought in July 2009 by SHF Industries and has resumed production under the new name Agri-Star. The brand Aaron’s Best still bears his name.