In response to an inquiry from MK Uri Maklev, Israel’s Ministry of Health explains that in the near future it will be signing a new contract to provide fruits and vegetables to government hospitals and this new agreement will compel supplying “shmitah l’chumra’ produce as well as lettuce and other greens grown and supervised under controlled conditions to prevent insect infestation to all government-run hospitals.

Maklev explained that he received numerous inquiries from patients in government hospitals who are stringent in adherence to shmitah. He points out to ministry officials that hospitals run by large organizations are stringent regarding kashrus but this is not the case in government hospital. He explains there are many people admitted in government hospitals who are stringent in adherence to shmitah and by only adhering to a minimum level of kashrus, these patients find themselves in a most difficult situation. He calls on ministry officials to seek to find a solution that would accommodate all patients, including those who are stringent regarding shmitah.

After receiving Maklev’s letter and explanation the ministry decided to include the shmitah l’chumra produce in the new contract towards accommodating the shmitah l’chumra patients.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)