According to a representative of the Israel Religions Action Centre (IRAC) in Jerusalem, medical treatment and medical facilities are open to the general population regardless of religious affiliation (1 Sept. 1993). Muslims, Christians and Jews can receive medical care anywhere on Israeli territory (Ibid.). The representative added that a number of hospitals and clinics are administered by Orthodox Jews and are subject to Shabbath laws, meaning that radios, televisions, telephones, etc., would not operate on that particular day (Ibid.). The Shabbath rules are applied to all patients, regardless of their religious affiliation (Ibid.). This information is corroborated by a representative of the Consulate General of Israel in New York (2 Sept. 1993). The representative of IRAC reported that Doctors working in Orthodox-run hospitals and clinics during Shabbath provide medical care only to patients who are in life-threatening situations (Ibid.). Abortions are usually not performed in Orthodox hospitals and clinics unless the mother is in mortal danger (Ibid.). The representative of the Consulate General of Israel stated that religious affiliation is not an issue when people need medical treatment (Ibid.). There are many cases of Muslims who come from the West Bank and Gaza to receive medical treatment in Israel (Ibid.). Private clinics and hospitals are open to the general public, and the ability to pay for treatment is more important than religious affiliation (Ibid.). In general, hospitals and clinics follow the Kosher rules (Jewish religious regulations) for food (Ibid.). It is unlikely that a person who wanted to have an abortion would be able to receive this procedure in a religious hospital or clinic (Ibid.). In Jerusalem west there are two hospitals where the doctors and nurses are orthodox: Bikurcholim (recognized for the quality of its heart treatment) and Shaareizedek (Ibid.). Hadassah, a more "secular" hospital, is located in Jerusalem and is considered to be one of the best medical centre in Israel (Ibid.). There are Christian hospitals located in Jerusalem east where Muslims, Christians and Jews can receive medical care, although Jews rarely use these hospitals (Ibid.).

According to a representative of the Society of St-Yves, a human rights organization in Jerusalem, religious affiliation is not the primary issue in determining access to medical care and medical facilities (3 Sept. 1993). One important factor is citizenship; unlike citizens or permanent residents, non-citizens cannot participate to the National Health Insurance Funds, which is subsidized by the government (Ibid.). Non-citizens can receive medical care from private clinics if they have the ability to pay (Ibid.). The representative added that people could encounter problems with access to medical clinics depending on which health insurance fund they subscribe to, i.e., certain clinics might only take patients from specific insurance funds (Ibid.). An Israeli citizen must go to a clinic or hospital located in the area determined by the address printed on their identity card (Teudat Zhut), therefore a person inhabiting an Arab community would have access to a lower quality of medical treatment than would a person residing in a Jewish community (Ibid.).

For additional information on the above-mentioned subject, please find the attached documents.

Consulate General of Israel, New York. 2 September 1993. Telephone interview with representative.

Israel Religions Action Centre, Jerusalem. 1 September 1993. Telephone interview with representative.

Society of St-Yves, Jerusalem. 3 September 1993. Telephone interview with representative.

Agence France Presse (AFP). 19 July 1992. "Love the Spur to Olympic Success: Doctors." (NEXIS)

The Jerusalem Post. 22 August 1993. Judy Siegel-Itzkovich. "Genetic Testing for Fetuses of Younger Women." (NEXIS)

. 18 November 1992. David Rudge. "Israeli Arabs Urged to Donate Organs for Transplants." (NEXIS)

. 22 September 1991. Judy Siegel-Itzkovich. "Lung Transplants: Israelis May Breath Easier." (NEXIS)

. 9 August 1991. Shlomo Riskin. "A Jolting Tension." (NEXIS)