A delegation of distinguished British Members of Parliament and Peers visited Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem, Israel on Wednesday September 5th as part of a visit organised by Labour Friends of Israel.

The visit included a tour of the Trauma Unit, the Paediatric Oncology Haematology Department where Palestinian and Jewish children are treated side by side, and a meeting with a panel of Hadassah Doctors.  The members of the panel were Dr Ragond Amar, a Palestinian ophthalmologist, Dr David Gillis, a British-born paediatrician and Dr Rafi Hofstein, Chief Executive Officer of Hadassah’s technology transfer company.

The following statement was made on behalf of the delegation by Barbara Keeley MP who led the group:

‘We were extremely impressed with the facilities at Hadassah and greatly admire the work that they do in their commitment to treat all patients regardless of race, ethnicity or political persuasion. Watching Palestinian and Israeli doctors working side by side is extremely encouraging and re-affirms our belief that any UK efforts to boycott Israeli academics or doctors is completely misplaced. We thank Hadassah for the very interesting visit and for hosting us today.
 
The members of the delegation included eight members of the House of Commons and three members of the House of Lords.

Hadassah Medical Organisation: The Hadassah Medical Organisation is an academic centre that consists of two hospitals and five academic medical schools in Jerusalem, Israel. A world-class university medical institution, it has achieved a global reputation for excellence in healing, teaching, research and outreach. It is distinguished by its innovative approach to complex medical problems and the cooperative efforts of its medical and research teams.

For more information, please contact Dr Henri Stellman, Executive Director, Hadassah Medical Relief Association UK.