Knesset Roundup | July 3

One in every four elderly Israelis is in need of assisted care. However, because the Israeli healthcare system does not provide sufficient support for individuals to receive care in the community, their dignity is often compromised. Care that is available is offered only for limited hours, and the criteria and tests used to allocate assistance are discriminatory. As a result, most families have no choice but to cope with heavy emotional and economic burdens on their own.

ACRI, in collaboration with other civil society and human rights organizations have therefore begun working together reform elder care in Israel.

Hospitalization is a key issue in this regard, because it is not included in the basket of public health services but instead, and depending on the patient’s condition, falls under the responsibility of several different agencies. This makes it difficult for families to exercise their right to help their loved ones age with dignity.

This difficult situation requires comprehensive reform: community nursing hours need to be significantly increased, since approximately 95% of elders receiving care remain in their homes; hospital and nursing care must be put into the basket of public health services thereby alleviating the financial burden on families; and all services for the elderly should be provided under one government authority.

The elderly population is growing consistently, as is the number of people needing long-term care. Human resources, institutions and appropriate solutions must be put in place to ensure that people who cannot afford to pay, will live in dignity and be able to receive accessible and quality services.

Please click here to access an invitation to a Conference on Elder Care in the Knesset this week. To attend please register by emailing your Teudat Zehut (9 digits) and your phone number to ygerman@knesset.gov.il. Please click here to read about ACRI’s campaign on this issue in English.

ACRI’s position: ACRI opposes the initiative to enshrine in law the power to suspend members of Knesset on the basis of political considerations because this will limit the range of political views in the Knesset (from the left and the right). The proposed Bill has the potential to exclude entire groups from presenting their world view and to limit their participation in the democratic process. ACRI holds that the Bill’s proposal to replace suspended MKs with the next person in the Knesset list is not a solution, as the right to vote includes the right to choose specific representatives in the Knesset.

This is a clear case of tyranny of the majority, when the political majority is abusing its power against a political or other minority. The Bill must be considered with the understanding that Israel has a permanent and diverse Arab political minority. The Bill poses a risk that entire population groups will be excluded from the political system on a permanent basis and that their interests will not be represented in government.

ACRI calls on the Knesset to defend democracy and protect one of the most fundamental rights of individuals in Israel – the right to vote and receive political representation, even in the face of ideological disagreements.

ACRI’s position: It was recently reported that since the beginning of June 2016, the Civil Administration has ordered that the water supply be cut off from Palestinian villages in the northern West Bank. Tens of thousands of people are suffering from severe water shortages for drinking, bathing, industry and agriculture. ACRI, together with the Physicians for Human Rights-Israel, petitioned the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories to immediately cease the water shortages in Palestinian villages. The right to water is a basic right under Israeli and international law. Israel is obligated to ensure the regular life of the population living under Occupation, including a regular water supply. Prevention of a regular supply of water at this time of year is a real risk to the health of the residents. It is highly detrimental to the livelihood of farmers and workers in factories, and infringes on the right of believers to observe Ramadan. Here is a link to ACRI’s letter in Hebrew.

ACRI’s position: The main legislative amendment proposed in the Bill seeks to allow courts to order imprisonment for a minor under the age of 14 for charges of murder, attempted murder and manslaughter. ACRI opposes this amendment on the basis that it would lead to an extreme deviation from the current guidelines in the Youth Law, that reflect the principle of the best interests of the child. These principles are outlined in the International Convention on the Rights of the Child, and are based on democratic values and the principles of criminal law. ACRI believes that the range of therapeutic, educational and rehabilitation solutions that exist in Israel must be expanded, particularly in East Jerusalem. This Bill is being promoted following the indictment of minor from East Jerusalem. Please click here to access ACRI’s position paper.