The Israeli Medical Association today cancelled a 24-hour strike it had scheduled for tomorrow and called instead for a two-hour work stoppage by physicians to protest the continuing harassment of pathologists by religious zealots trying to force an end to autopsies. The Association said it called off the strike in the public interest. Pathologists have been physically assaulted by members of ultra-Orthodox sects. Abusive slogans and swastikas have been daubed on their homes. Last Friday Health Minister Victor Shemtov condemned the vandalism of extremists who, he said, sought to set back Israeli health standards. But he also expressed regret that the Medical Association had called for a 24-hour strike.
The Jerusalem City Council meanwhile adopted Mayor Teddy Kollek’s proposal to offer a $1,250 reward to anyone who brought about the arrest and conviction of persons responsible for harassing medical personnel and daubing the walls of their homes. The Council’s resolution warned that violence, threats and slander were giving Jerusalem a bad name throughout the world because of the ugly atmosphere of intolerance which prevails. The Health Ministry began a public information campaign to explain the vital work carried out by pathologists. Last Friday, six religious youths from the Orthodox Mear Shearim quarter were arrested and remanded for seven days on suspicion of membership in a group that has been harassing pathologists. Three of the suspects were picked up while riding in a taxi filled with anti-autopsy leaflets.
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.
