Agudath Israel of America applauds the United States grant of an emergency visa to Alta Fixsler, a 2-year-old girl in the U.K. at risk of being removed from life support by the hospital, against the objection of her parents and against the firmly held religious beliefs of her Jewish faith.
While the visa grant is an important step for little Alta and her family, a U.K. court has placed the decision making for Alta in the hands of the hospital that has been advocating that Alta’s life-sustaining care should be withdrawn. This decision is under appeal. Therefore, unless the U.K. government allows Alta to leave to be cared for in another country, this difficult case remains an uphill battle.
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer has taken an active role in the case, including intervening to obtain the emergency visa for Alta.
Leading askonim in the U.S. reached out to the Senator, and have been working alongside an ad hoc coalition of community leaders in the U.K and Israel, including members of Agudath Israel of America and Chayim Aruchim, to pursue every avenue for Alta.
“The United States government has made a bold statement today. A statement that values life, that rejects discrimination on the basis of disability, a statement that affirms Alta’s rights, and a statement that recognizes a sincerely held religious belief.
We sincerely hope that the U.K. government will respond in kind,” said Rabbi Zwiebel, executive vice president of Agudath Israel.
