Good News for Jewish Smokers

An Australian professor has warned religious groups that cigarette filters may contain traces of pig's blood.

Simon Chapman said recent Dutch research has identified 185 different industrial uses for a pig - including the use of haemoglobin in cigarette filters.

The University of Sydney professor said the study offered an insight into the world of cigarette manufacturing and was likely to spark concerns for devout Muslims and Jews.

See how easy it now is to stop smoking?



(Kippah tip: CR)

Hadassah Hospital Can't Play Ball

Hospital to Pay NIS 250,000 for Lost Testicle

Hadassah hospital in Jerusalem has been ordered to pay NIS 250,000 in damages to an Arab youth who lost a testicle after doctors failed to diagnose gangrene, according to Nfc [Hebrew]. The youth says doctors did not examine his testicles when he arrived at the hospital in 1997 suffering from stomach pain and vomiting. Doctors said they performed an examination, but it did not reveal the gangrene. The court sided with the patient and his family.

The youth claimed that the loss of his testicle had led to rumors that he was not “manly,” and had thus reduced his chances of marrying. As proof, he brought the father of a potential bride who had rejected him and a local Imam, both of whom argued that rumors regarding the loss of his testicle had affected his ability to marry. Representatives of Hadassa argued that his inability to marry was due to his personality and not his medical condition, and said the young man was suffering from mental issues made obvious by his inability to provide even basic information such as his telephone number or his siblings' names.

That's such a testy issue.