A number of American Jewish organizations which have cabled inquiries to the Israel Government inquiring about the dispute over autopsies there, today received from Israel’s Prime Minister Levi Eshkol the following reply:
“The total autopsy issue has been distorted by ill-founded assertions. The Government of Israel is profoundly conscious of the humanitarian and moral issues involved and is making determined efforts to arrive at a solution satisfactory to all. The whole matter is before the Knesset, the principal object being the inclusion of an amendment or amendments to the existing law which will take full cognizance of the susceptibilities of the next of kin. Consultations are in continuous progress between the Ministers of Justice and of Health and eminent rabbis, doctors and public figures.
“The Prime Minister himself is involved in these exchanges which are designed to guarantee a law expressing the traditional Jewish spirit of respect for the deceased and family, while safeguarding the principle of Pikuach Nefesh. While. with goodwill and understanding. we seek a satisfactory solution, it is important that baseless accusations against the Israel medical profession should cease.”
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