As a result of the efforts of Deputy Health Minister Yaakov Litzman and Minister of Welfare & Social Services Yitzchak Herzog, the state’s social workers were involved, preparing evaluations for the High Court. One can argue that their input led to the decision that only nine of the Emanuel mothers will be compelled to serve a two-week jail term.

The official opinion of the social workers told the court that the sudden disappearance of both parents simultaneously may in all likelihood be interpreted as a serious threat by a child. In actuality, such an event may be quite traumatic, and it can have a profound negative impact later on in the child’s development.

Litzman praised the efforts of Herzog and the director-general of his ministry, for acting expeditiously out of concern for the families.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)