BREAKING NEWS

Israeli Pediatrics: End controversial circumcision rite

By JTA

AUGUST 12, 2012 16:50

JERUSALEM -- The Israel Ambulatory Pediatric Association is calling for an end to a controversial circumcision-related rite that is also under fire in New York.

The IAPA said that direct oral-genital suction, known as metzitzah b'peh, should not be performed during Jewish ritual circumcision. It is calling on Israel’s Health Ministry to require maternity wards and clinics to advise parents against metzitzah b’peh, Israeli media are reporting.

The rite is not used in most Jewish circumcision ceremonies, but many in the haredi Orthodox community still adhere to it.

Health Department investigations of newborns with the herpes virus from 2000 to 2011 have shown that 11 infants contracted the herpes virus when mohels placed their mouths directly on the child’s circumcision wound to draw blood away from the circumcision cut, according to a statement from the department. Ten of the infants were hospitalized, at least two developed brain damage and two babies died.

Galilee council head calls for an end to the situation in the north

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF

04/25/2024 08:16 AM

Lapid on Gantz, Eisenkot: 'They are keeping an illegitimate gov't alive'

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF

04/25/2024 08:01 AM

Israel Air Force attacks terrorist infrastructure in south Lebanon

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF

04/25/2024 07:22 AM

Russia will target NATO nuclear weapons in Poland if they appear

By REUTERS

04/25/2024 07:18 AM