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Bedouins say closure of baby clinics 'disastrous'
Ilana Curiel
Published: 15.11.09, 23:27
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11 Talkbacks for this article
1. This is terrible
Sarah B ,   U.S.A. / Israel   (11.15.09)
It is unconscionable to require women with infants (and possibly several other children) to travel for hours just to secure medical care for their babies. I'm not sure I entirely buy into the "nursing shortage" story, and I very definitely do not buy into the "funding reduction" story (take some of the money away from the Neturei Karta; they do not even recognize the State of Israel yet have no problem draining the Treasury for their never-ending social services requirement, but if it were true, I am willing to bet that there are any number of nurses (and pediatricians as well) who would be happy to volunteer some time each week at a clinic that could be re-opened in an easily accessible area convenient to all. Or create a visiting nurse service, where several nurses could see to the needs of the Bedouin infants on a pre-determined schedule. Healthy babies grow up to be healthy adults. I have NO problem taking funding away from the Neturei Karta, who do not perform military service, and using those funds for the benefit of the Bedouins, who do perform military service.
2. Well Said Sarah.
Shlomo Kamra   (11.16.09)
Did you also perform military service?
3. Bediuns refusing to work is pay taxes is terrible
Tony   (11.16.09)
They should stop breeding and start working and paying taxes. Until then, they can waive their fists in the air all the want.
4. Baby clinics
Birdi ,   Israel   (11.16.09)
The bay clinic where I live (in the center of Israel) has been closed now for at least 4 years.So its not only in the Negev.I agree with Sarah B.about taking the funds away from the Neturei Karta, who dont contribute a thing to Israel but are simply a burden on our country. .
5. Let's Not Get Hysterical
EGGM ,   Petah Tikva, Israel   (11.16.09)
Wadi an-Na'am is 10 minutes' drive away from Beersheva, and it happens to be a village not even legally recognized with all that stems from that. I believe this applies to the other villages mentioned in the article as well. The residents of these villages don't pay taxes, and it's hard to say how many of them work or contribute in any way to anyone but themselves. Coupled with the fact that most Jewish doctors and nurses would refuse to work there because of safety concerns, it's not surprise that there isn't enough manpower and/or funding. The government needs to create statistics for the Bedouin communities and open clinics for those that pay taxes and have high percentages of people who go to the army. Until then, they should stop crying over 10-20-minute drives.
6. To: No. 2
Sarah B ,   U.S.A. / Israel   (11.16.09)
Yes, I surely did. While you and your Catholic schhol classmates were busy ridiculing "The Diary of Anne Frank," (your words, weren't they?), I served my adopted country proudly and well in the Military Advocate General Corps, International Law Department. Did you serve your country, "Shlomo?"
7. One of the problems is
Charles ,   Petach Tikva   (11.16.09)
that you can't find many people wanting to work in remote places . Another one , as in every developped country there is a shortage of medical personnel , and here it's complicated because this personnel has to speak Arabic too as not all those Bedouin women are fluent in Hebrew .
8. #6
(11.16.09)
While you were in the MAG, I had long left "The Diary" behind. My little country has no need for national service, as we are a peace loving country, and so are our neighbours. Your word in #2 were obviously from "good" Sarah-keep it up.
9. Tipat Halav clinics in the South
Noa ,   Beer Sheva   (11.16.09)
Unfortunately, they do close clinics in Jewish towns, too. But usually, others are within reach, and it IS more difficult for Bedouin women to get around, so one has to be sensitive to that. Ok, it is because of their different culture, but so what? Secondly, I think it is in our own interest to care for Bedouin children, because otherwise they will cost the state a lot of money in healthcare as adults - just like any other Israeli.
10. To: No. 8
Sarah B ,   New York / Saviyon   (11.16.09)
Oh, I am a good person. I have acres of friends who comprise all races, religions and ethnicities. I am passionate about my people, I am passionate about the State of Israel, and I am simply unwilling to risk either. Six wars and sixty-one years of terror are not the basis for trust and belief in the words of others. Particularly in light of the fact that not a single Palestinian organization has repudiated its charter calling for the destruction of the State of Israel and the extermination and/or expulsion of the Jewish people. Kind of makes their claims to want to live in peace ring rather false, wouldn't you agree? Would you agree that the risk is too great to take?
11. Sarah 1 , Again WRONG
Charles ,   Petach Tikva   (11.18.09)
Netoure Karta don't take any agora from the State of Israel . Give serious arguments please , not wrong ones
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