The Israeli Army warned the Lod Airport management four months before the May 30 massacre that its medical facilities were inadequate to cope with a serious emergency or mass disaster, it was disclosed yesterday. The warning was contained in a letter sent to the airport management last Jan. from General Staff Headquarters after a senior Army medical officer made a surprise visit to the airport. The Army recommended that its Medical Corps assume responsibility for medical services at the airport in the event of disaster but no action was taken by the Lod authorities.
Following the massacre, the Health Ministry ordered an investigation into the medical facilities at the airport and the report that followed recommended that a doctor be stationed there permanently. According to the airport manager, Shmuel Kislev, no civilian doctor has been willing to take the job which involves long hours and small remuneration. The airport management is negotiating with the Army Medical Corps to assume the responsibility. Meanwhile, Dr. David Baruch, a part-time volunteer for the Civil Aviation Authority, is serving as the airport’s medical officer on a temporary basis.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
