I was reminded of this story today and learned of a detail I hadn't in 2022 when the story broke. Could be nothing but figured I'd pass it along for consideration.

The story:

https://freegrace.in/red-heifers-arrive-in-israel-could-this-be-the-end-times/

Red Heifers Arrive In Israel. Could This Be The End Times?

COVID Was The Key

Now here’s where the story takes an interesting turn. At the height of the COVID pandemic many people were not coming in to work. A certain Texas rancher reports that a group of five red heifers were born in one litter (an incredibly rare occurrence within itself), more amazing still since it was during COVID, the employee who normally puts in the ear tags didn’t come in to work that day. So these five red calves remained unblemished. 

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The money:

https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/article277706743.html

Those five, perfectly unblemished red heifers landed in Israel in September 2022, a feat that cost around $500,000 when you factor in the first-class plane tickets for rabbis to come examine the heifers and the American Airlines trip to Israel.

umm what?

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The market:

Cost of a Mature Cow?

Based on the search results, here are some estimates of the cost of a single adult cow:

• According to “How Much Does A Cow Cost? A Comprehensive Guide (2023)”, the cost of an adult cow ranges from $900 to $5,000, depending on factors such as breed, age, health, and grazing land quality.
• “How Much Does A Cow Cost To Buy? 2024 Cattle Prices” estimates the average price of an adult cow to be around $3,000, with prices ranging from $2,100 to $5,100.
• Another source, “How Much Does A Cow Cost in the USA? - Folio3 AgTech”, suggests that adult cows cost around $40 to $50 per head, plus additional costs for feed and care.
• A more detailed breakdown by breed and purpose is provided in “Cow Prices By Weight Chart”, which lists the following prices for adult cows:
  • Slaughter Cows: $900 (based on 1,200 lbs and $75 per 100 lbs)
  • Bred Cows: $1,320 (based on 800 lbs and $165 per 100 lbs)
  • Steers: $1,680 (based on 1,200 lbs and $140 per 100 lbs)

Overall, the cost of a single adult cow can vary significantly depending on the factors mentioned above. However, based on the search results, here are some general estimates:

• Average cost: $2,500 to $3,500
• Low-end estimate: $900 to $1,500
• High-end estimate: $4,000 to $5,000

Please note that these estimates are based on the search results and may not reflect the actual market prices in your area. It’s recommended to consult with local farmers, ranchers, or agricultural experts for more accurate and up-to-date pricing information.

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How much money to ship a live cow internationally?

Based on industry reports and market data, the cost to ship a live cow internationally can vary greatly depending on several factors such as:

• Cow size and weight
• Distance and route
• Mode of transportation (air, sea, or land)
• Customs and regulatory requirements
• Vaccination and health certificates
• Insurance coverage

Here are some estimated costs for shipping a live cow internationally:

• Air transportation: For a small to medium-sized cow (around 400-500 kg), the cost can range from $5,000 to $10,000. For larger cows (over 600 kg), the cost can exceed $15,000 to $25,000.
• Sea transportation: For a small to medium-sized cow, the cost can range from $2,000 to $5,000. For larger cows, the cost can range from $4,000 to $10,000.
• Land transportation: For a small to medium-sized cow, the cost can range from $1,000 to $3,000. For larger cows, the cost can range from $2,000 to $6,000.

Additional costs to consider:

• Vaccination and health certificates: $200-$500
• Customs and regulatory fees: $500-$1,000
• Insurance coverage: 1%-5% of the total shipping cost
• Handling and loading/unloading fees: $500-$1,000

Total estimated cost: For a small to medium-sized cow, the total cost can range from $7,700 to $16,500. For larger cows, the total cost can exceed $20,000 to $35,000.

Please note that these estimates are rough and may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the shipment. It’s recommended to consult with a reputable international shipping company or a veterinarian to get a more accurate quote for your specific situation.

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Calculations:

5x cows sold at top price estimation of $5,000 each = $25,000

5x cows mailed from Texas to Israel at top price estimation of $35,000 each = $175,000

First-class round-trip plane ticket from Texas to Israel, using the highest price I could find of $20,000 via Emirates airlines (keep in mind this is now during wartime), x8 rabbis, a high end guess as I don't know how many rabbis flew over = $160,000

Grand total of $360,000, leaving $140,000 unaccounted for. Even if the cows were sold for triple the standard price of a cow, this doesn't add up and is suspicious. Who got the kickback? How many other "religious transactions" are padded with such excesses? Keep in mind that I used the absolute maximum value within the standard price ranges for every factor in these calculations and may have over-estimated the number of rabbis who flew to Texas. Furthermore, at the time these cows were shipped (2022) there was no war in Israel. The war has resulted in tons of airliners cancelling all flights into Israel, which would likely cause price gouging by whichever airlines still fly there and would impact these current airfare prices. Stories on that:

https://www.timesofisrael.com/air-travel-costs-soar-amid-war-as-foreign-carriers-sluggishly-renew-israel-flights/

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/airlines-suspend-israel-flights-amid-gaza-war-2023-10-10/

Last point: I ran a search to find the price the cows were sold at and was told by the AI that the man donated them. I cannot find where this info comes from but if true, would make this story even more suspicious.