Jewish Religious Perspectives in the Israeli Healthcare System

Abstract

Although the laws of the State of Israel are not based on the Jewish religious law (Halakhah) but on secular law enacted by the Israeli Parliament (Knesset), Jewish religious elements and values are deeply embedded in the decisions of the legislative bodies that concern the Israeli healthcare system. To this effect we review in this paper the contents and ways of implementation of five laws accepted by Israeli legislative based on Jewish Law principles. The laws are the National Health Insurance Law, 1994; the Patient’s Rights Law, 1996; the Dying Patient Law, 2005; the Brain/Respiratory Death Law, 2008; and the Good Samaritan Law, 1998. In conclusion, Israel’s legal code is secular but incorporates principles and perspective of Jewish law, especially in the areas of danger to life and the provision of healthcare to all. These principles and perspectives are in full keeping with Article 14 of the UNESCO Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights. The five examples discussed bear testament to the manner in which Israel’s legislative body, the Knesset, has encompassed these values within the laws of the modern State of Israel.