15 July 2004

ISFSP Supports Former Chief Rav's Opinion to Clarify Organ Transplant Needs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: [email protected]

The International Society for Sephardic Progress supports the former Chief Sephardi Rav Mordechai Eliyahu in his desire to assure that the human body is not being exploited as a source of income. Sadly, the media has portrayed the rav's opinion as a “desecration of God’s name which it certainly is not.

Rav Mordechai Eliyahu called on the public not sign organ donor cards and said he would not change his decision until a special Rabbinic committee is established to consider the issue. His son, and Chief Rabbi of Safed, Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu explained, “This is not a dispute between Jewish law and medicine. It is a problem of trust. It is a mitzvah (commandment or religious duty) to save life but they way organs are donated is irresponsible”.

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The International Society for Sephardic Progress (ISFSP) is a Jewish agency developed to serve the Sephardic community--the descendants of the Jews of historic Spain, Portugal, North Africa and the Levant who share both common religious and cultural bonds. Although based in the United States, the ISFSP is an advocacy organization representing Sephardim internationally. The ISFSP also functions to produce high quality Jewish educational projects which will educate the public on the rich Sephardic Jewish communities, past and present.

The ISFSP is a a non-profit organization.