Online Program

338091
Health Disparities cannot be Eliminated in an Apartheid State


Monday, November 2, 2015 : 3:11 p.m. - 3:24 p.m.

Ellen Isaacs, MD, Depts. of Medicine and Cardiology, Retired, NY Medical College, New York, NY

Eleven years ago I made my first trip to the West Bank as a doctor with the Health and Human Rights Project from Boston, and I have revisited five times since then. What we learned in 2004 is little different from the situation today. Health disparities between Israel and the Occupied Territories were and remain huge. As an occupying power Israel was responsible for the health and well being of those it controlled, a responsibility it managed to give up under the Oslo accords, but the promises of self-determination for Palestinians never materialized. Many Palestinians and some Israeli allies have come to realize that a two-state solution was never intended by Israel, and that true equality can only be attained in one multi-ethnic state.  I have become involved in this One State Movement as well as Jewish Voice for Peace.  After my second trip I began to give talks in some schools, colleges and community groups about my trips. I am now working in JVP organizing regular educational talks and to increase outreach to the broader community.

Learning Areas:

Diversity and culture
Ethics, professional and legal requirements
Public health or related education

Learning Objectives:
Describe steps to incorporating West Bank travel into medical and public health activism. Describe the importance of witnessing and reporting health conditions in Palestine.

Keyword(s): War, Activism

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: A physician who has worked in the West Bank, Dr. Issacs is working in the One State Movement.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.