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'Treblinka for monkeys' slammed
Dan Bentsur
Published: 19.12.07, 14:40
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1. Even being painful to see that ...
Keren ,   Israel-SP   (12.19.07)
I believe Weizmann Institute in that the monkeys used in the research are rehabilitated and moved to a shelter in Ben Shemen. If animal experimentation is crucial to understanding various biological processes, and if such understanding frequently leads to the development of medical applications (drugs and therapies) that save human lives and improve the quality of life for millions,I think it is valid. I am sure that the notable Weizmann Institute does its best to impose as less as possible suffering to the animals. The "caretaker"who took the footage should be imprisioned for dirty treason.
2. Animal experimentation
Dara ,   Israel   (12.19.07)
experimentation is crucial to understanding various biological processes. Such understanding frequently leads to the development of medical applications (drugs and therapies) that save human lives and improve the quality of life for millions," Great, so if they would like to save human lives, why not test the humans? What did the Animals do to deserve such experimentation, and then we can send the humans to be rehabilitated, what's the problem?
3. Who Cares?
Joe ,   Jerusalem, Israel   (12.19.07)
Honestly, we have bigger things going on than some monkeys in a lab. I would happily slaughter a million monkeys if it meant saving one human life. Notice all the people who say that these experiments are pointless are not scientists. If the scientists say they need to shock some monkeys to save a human lives I say go for it. "Everybody loves sausage, but nobody likes to see it made" is the quote that comes to mind.
4. shocking and sad news
Simon ,   TA Israel   (12.19.07)
It is with deep shock and saddnes i read this article, those poor monkeys deserve to be let free and given a proper life as nature intended. We are all aware for the need of medical research but not at the cost of harming these beautiful creatures. Stop the expermenting now!
5. Who cares?
Observer ,   Salvador, Brazil   (12.19.07)
You guess that humans are the main thing on this world, despite everything. You justify all barbarities against nature and animals by a single human life. Humans are a virus on earth, that destroy everything which touches and, at the end of day, will destroy themself! Good look.
6. Dear Weizman Institute,
Faith ,   Israel   (12.19.07)
I understand that using human subjects for your brain research would be the best method, and the results would be far more accurate than using some lousy monkeys and cats. Although he seems to be a bit mentally challenged, I suggest that Joe from Jerusalem (talkback #3) be your first human research volunteer, having already proved to mankind by his imbecilic talkback here that his brain is "sausage" and no one has any use for it here anymore. Thanks.
7. #3 Joe - they do not teach you to read in America, do they?
Jonas ,   SAD   (12.19.07)
"Our request relates to all the different aspects of the cruelty involved in these experiments," Ladiansky said, "the monkeys, which are social animals that need contact with their own species, are kept in small cages, and during the actual experiments they are placed in a device that does allow them to even move their heads."
8. Save the Monkeys
Annelina ,   South Africa   (12.19.07)
save the poor monkeys - sod the humans - they have their choices - the animals do not - it is barbaric and should be stopped NOW
9. #2 Dara - Are you volunteering?
Terry ,   Eilat, Israel   (12.19.07)
10. #4
(12.19.07)
so what do you think research should be done on? Humans???
11. 'Treblinka for monkeys' and #3.
David ,   Brazil   (12.19.07)
I care very much! I don't eat meat of any kind,and I would watch with colossal satisfaction, the 'brains' of several top Israeli politicians, and particularly yours, Joe, being manipulated for the advancement of science, to save the life of a single so-called ape.
12. I suppose Animal Rights & Human Rights groups are the same.
Joseph P. ,   Jerusalem   (12.19.07)
At least for the same cause.
13. cruel and useless
israeli ,   israel   (12.19.07)
Most progress made in medicine was made either by accident or by treating patients. I attend many a lecture where scientists admit that after studying on animal modesl and sacrificing untold numbers of innocent animals they are suddenly faced with the realization that they were working under wrong assumptions and need to start again from scratch, i.e. fresh victims. Drugs successfully tested on animals turned disastrous on human beings, other drugs that kill or cause severe damage in animals work are ok for human use. The catch is that most scientists and reserachers need to "publish or perish". and Joe in Jerusalem - would you really slaughter one million monkeys to save the life of Hitler? Saddam Hussein? And yes, everybody loves a sausage, but many people refrain from eating one because they once saw how it is done. I for one would like to thank those brave lab caretakers who take pictures and footage and bring the plight of the "lab animals" (if there is such a thing) to public awareness.
14. All experiments need approval
Ilan ,   Ariel   (12.19.07)
The criteria for every animal experiment is that everything possible to minimize animal suffering is done and that the experiments hold promise for important results. Don't believe. Go to this site and read a bit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/olaw.htm
15. Monkeys are not Human
Christy ,   Boston, US   (12.19.07)
It does a great disservice to those who suffered in Treblinka to equate the two situations. It demeans the suffering of human beings and equates humans with monkeys. Scientific advancement in medicine has come about by testing & experimenting on animals. Computer model studies can NOT achieve what animal studies can. For those who feel so sorry for the animals, I suggest you all STOP USING any/all medication that has been tested on animals, and include future medicines as well. Show your solidarity with the animals and throw those medicines away! I am very thankful to the scientists who have worked to perfect life saving medicines. If it weren't for the animal experiments, we'd be experimenting on humans.
16. an alternative
mike ,   gedera   (12.19.07)
They should do the tests with knesset members instead
17. Tza'ar ba'alei chayim
Stephen ,   Minneapolis, USA   (12.19.07)
It's bad enough that the USA is barbaric with respect to animal treatment, but it's even worse when this is done in Israel. The issue is not if animals are humans. Of course animals are animals. But what about religious prohibition against tza'ar ba'aley chayim (suffering of living creatures). I have posted a msg on another story here where I make it clear that I believe that the defining characteristic of Israel is that it is THE Jewish state. You can't be a Jewish state without observing Jewish law...nachon?!
18. # 14
Faith ,   Israel   (12.19.07)
Ilan, Yes, we would all like to believe that these experiments are being conducted in a humane way, according to a neatly printed set of rules and regulations. However, you are misinformed or worse, fooled again, like many are. The Weizman Institute was in fact given full approval by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care, and furthermore, were credited with keeping the highest standards possible in accordance with the "rules and regulations". Is this something you actually believe? Or can you deny the documented proof? I don't think so. So then- What exactly is their "approval" worth, if in fact, the researchers were torturing the animals before they killed them? I see you are computer savvy. Have a go and look at this: http://www.aaalac.org/about/index.cfm Just like the FDA, all these organizations are hot to give their approval for conducting these experiments, and the fact that they list a bunch of rules and articles means nothing at all. Just ask the primates and the cats from the Weizman Institute. God blessed mankind with a thinking mind, and supposedly compassion for living things. Maybe you can put it to use.
19. even 4 science, some things shouldn't be done to animals
dante ,   uk   (12.19.07)
especially primates. we conduct human clinical trials, so, animal experimentation is not objectionable per se. in fact, it might be necessary. but, when it is done, it has to be justifiable and subject the test subjects to no undue discomfort or pain. and, in some cases, nothing can justify the abhorrent treatment of sentient creatures. the idea that no account of an animal's pain need be taken because it is an animal is unacceptable.
20. cruelty
eytan ,   tel aviv   (12.19.07)
How can these people sleep at night; how did G-d allow such humans to walk the face of the earth! However, the use of the Holocaust, although it does make sense, only undermines Let Animals Live's efforts - most people just can't relate and dismiss such claims as "extreme"
21. dont use animales, use olmert &yosi belin
reuven ,   usa   (12.19.07)
to see why these fools causing alot of trouble for israel.with them around there wont be israel to visit
22. More Lies to Add On to the Others
J.Sherri ,   Israel   (12.19.07)
Science doesn't have even an iota of a clue how to approach the human body - since they removed the Creator/God from all of its equations. They have no idea how life operates, what it takes to heal, how the mind operates and what the function of animals in our world actually is. Instead - like nazis in their experiments - they CUT, MAIM, ABUSE AND TORTURE - all in the name of their idol *science*. And the most barbaric, sad part is that those who should know better - DON'T - and I am speaking of the rabbis. If a rabbi concedes to this - and gives it their HECHSHER - than that rabbi for me has no place in being a rabbi. Plain and simple. How can you be up in arms about Shabbat when you condone to acts of torture on animals??????? How can you be obbsessed with purity on the one hand when your neighborhoods have rivers of blood and tears flowing in them? And the rest of this country? God is looking down on this and giving us midah for midah - karmic reaction for every time we turn away from the horrors that we are giving our consent to. And if you're not UP IN ARMS ABOUT THIS - it's exactly what you're doing. CLOSE DOWN WEIZMANN INSTITUTE! CLOSE IT DOWN! This is why Kassams are falling. This is why crime is through the roof and this is why we are failing as a nation!
23. Stop This NOW!!
JS ,   Eretz Yisrael   (12.19.07)
Stop the torture. Stop causing the animals to suffer. Stop this insanity! Stop it before we are given a dose of our own medicine by G-d Almighty. This is an abomination - totally against Torah. Totally against G-d. STOP!!
24. Animals
Marilyn ,   USA   (12.19.07)
I would say that it is an overall issue of how someone treats an animal or person that is weaker or dependent on them. For example, in our country, the idea of child protection first came about by an animal protection agency. So I think that there is some amount of crossover involved. If not absolutely necessary
25. Did you forgot about "Claude Benard" ?
Ray ,   Israel   (12.19.07)
Did these animal lover humans forgot about "Claude Benard"? many animal lovers that days (1850) even attempt to kill him because he dissect live animal (vivisection) and .....today animal lovers can demonstrate in front of Weizmann Institute because partially thanks to Claude Benard for their Life and surgery/treatement that they receive in hospital and the knowdlege of their body by their doctors...those doctors who cure them... "Claude Benard" first did "vivisection" (dissecting live animals) in 1830 in France and because of this his wife left him and joined other people to start/propagate "Humane Soceity" that opppse vivisection... and cruelty of animal .......even they tried to kill him...Claude was really successfull first in explaining working of our internal organs..levers, panchears. .their internal feedback system (Homeostatis) ..also developed instruments to do vivisection ( that still today every surgeon in hospitals use) whole branch of Physiology as a book "An Introduction to the Study of Experimental Medicine" ...150 yr after I think both (Claude and His Wife) of them are successful and correct...although Claude was more correct I think. (we are greatful for our life to him...his discovery of function of organs, ...homeostatis (interanl feedback mechanism of organs)..... and surgery instruments..thats still you have to rely when you go to hospital) Claude used to say ....that the advancement of medicine and to relief of human suffering you need to do vibisection even it bring suffering of animals ...... I think most of us will agree with that although unfortunately this will leads to cruely to animals..... public cry will be there...may be its legitimate in a democratic free thinking soceity but still that should not stop the experiment otherwise it will halt the advancement of science that we need to solve our every increasing problems of life death and survival.
26. Abuse of Elderly, Children, Women, Animals - NO JUSTICE
J.Sherri ,   Israel   (12.19.07)
1. What does Judaism teach about the proper treatment of animals? Judaism teaches that we are forbidden to be cruel to animals and that we must treat them with compassion. Since animals are part of God's creation, people have special responsibilities to them. These concepts are summarized in the Hebrew phrase tsa'ar ba'alei chayim, the biblical mandate not to cause "pain to any living creature." While the Torah clearly indicates that people are to have "dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that creeps upon the earth" (Gen. 1:28), there was to be a basic relatedness, and people were to consider the rights of animals. Animals are also God's creatures, possessing sensitivity and the capacity for feeling pain; hence they must be protected and treated with compassion and justice. God made treaties and covenants with animals, just as with humans: "As for me," says the Lord, "behold I establish My Covenant with you and with your seed after you, and with every living creature that is with you, the fowl, the cattle, and every beast of the earth with you; all that go out of the ark, even every beast of the earth." (Gen. 9:9-10) And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field and with the fowls of heaven and with the creeping things of the ground. And I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the land and I will make them to lie down safely. (Hos. 2:20) The Psalms indicate God's concern for animals, for "His tender mercies are over all His creatures" (Ps. 145:9). They pictured God as "satisfying the desire of every living creature" (Ps. 145:16), "providing food for the beasts and birds" (Ps. 147:9), and, in general, "preserving both man and animal" (Ps. 36:7). Perhaps the Jewish attitude toward animals is best summarized by the statement in Proverbs 12:10, "The righteous person regards the life of his animal." This is the human counterpoint of "The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His creatures" (Ps. 145:9). In Judaism, one who is cruel to animals cannot be regarded as a righteous individual. Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch eloquently summarizes the Jewish view on treatment of animals: Here you are faced with God's teaching, which obliges you not only to refrain from inflicting unnecessary pain on any animal, but to help and, when you can, to lessen the pain whenever you see an animal suffering, even through no fault of yours. [Horeb, Chapter 60, #416] http://www.jewishveg.com/schwartz/faq_animals.html We have MUCH to be ashamed of in our ignorance and utter depravity.
27. And the Forced Feeding of Geese Continues
YS ,   Israel   (12.19.07)
And the poisoning of street cats - and the gassing deaths of unwanted animals, and the merciless experimentations taking place not only in Weizmann Institute but in universities and so-called militiary testing areas. Chickens being culled with *new and improved* killing methods of being blasted with soap suds till they perish gasping for air. Geese force fed by tubes shoved down their throats - IN SPITE of the law passed forbidding this. It's STILL going on. Branded KOSHER.
28. Break In. Save these animals. Stop this cruelty.
Glenn ,   Santa Monica, CA   (12.20.07)
J. Sherri is 100% right. Please save these animals. Please.
29. Animal Experimentation
NYC Girl   (12.20.07)
Leaving aside the fact that there are computer models which make it virtually unnecessary to torture animals in the name of science, the whole notion of animal experimentation becomes ludicrous when you consider the fact that a cat can be poisoned by Tylenol and both cats and dogs can be poisoned by something as benign as chocolate. If scientists were to extrapolate from these realities, no human being would ever take a pain pill or eat a candy bar.
30. PeKooa'ch Nefesh
Igor ,   NYC USA   (12.20.07)
You can qoute tza'ar ba'aley chayim (suffering of living creatures), but Pee'koo'ach Nefesh takes precendent, the savivng of human lives, that's the overiding halacha. Plus, humans are top of the food chain. Animals higher on the food chain consume those below it, its just nature's way. Should we ban lions from eating lambs? We have the intelligence to use animals beyond just the needs for food. We should do any experiments in the most humane way possible and limit it to legimate use. But given those constraints, its justified.
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