Pam Anderson vs. Hasidic Headwear

Former Playboy Playmate tries to reverse a few hundred years of tradition by persuading Orthodox Jews to give up fur

Has Pamela Anderson taken her PETA-friendly Fashion Police act too far this time?

Arriving in Israel on Sunday to participate as a guest judge and perform in the country's version of Dancing With the Stars, the ex-Baywatch beauty and avid animal-rights booster is looking to meet with Orthodox Jewish leaders to persuade them to ban the use of fur in traditional Hasidic headwear.

At issue is a bill that's before the Israeli parliament that would potentially restrict the use of fur in those furry black hats ultra-religious Jewish men often wear during the Jewish holidays—a custom that date back more than 200 years. The bill has been put on hold because the Hasidic sects make up a significant voting block.

Anderson, an honorary director of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animal, turned up in Tel Aviv to receive an honorary award. While there, she told reporters her work on behalf of animals "has been really inspiring. I feel like I have actually done something."

The pinup also praised Israel as a "progressive" nation and an "example for the rest of the world" for opting not to operate fur farms. However, Anderson said she hoped to put her sexy feminine wiles to good use convincing Hassidim to think about replacing fur with other material.

"It's almost 2011. There are so many alternatives to things," she said. "We can be compassionate in our choices."

Good luck with that.

Orthodox sects began donning black furry hats and black coats in the 1700s to symbolize their devotion in response to the increasing secularization and assimiliation of Jews in mainstream European society.

Anderson later paid a visit to the Western Wall covering up her head and shoulders and praying silently with starstruck worshippers.