JERUSALEM — Israeli scientists were given permission by Egypt to participate in a breast cancer research and awareness conference in Cairo hosted by Susan G. Komen for the Cure after their original invitations to the event had been revoked at the last minute by Egyptian Health Minister Hatem el-Gabali.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a prominent advocacy group for breast cancer research, was ultimately successful in reversing the Egyptian minister’s decision.
However, according to sources familiar with members of the Israeli scientific team, the Egyptian change of heart came too late for the Israelis to be able to join the conference.
The original invitation for the Israelis to attend the conference had been rescinded by el-Gebali, even though the Israelis had already received security clearance from Egypt to attend.
Yossi Levy, spokesperson for Israel’s Foreign Ministry, last week said his office was in discussion with his Egypt ian counterparts about clarifying the decision to revoke the invitation to the Israelis.
“Everything was taken care of [the team] had the necessary documentation. We still don’t know why they weren’t allowed in.”
The Anti-Defamation League last Monday called on Susan G. Komen for the Cure to ensure that the Israeli researchers be permitted to participate in the weeklong event that began on Oct. 21.
“We find this last-minute exclusion of Israeli experts shocking and contrary to the stated purpose of these programs – to promote regional co-operation to highlight breast cancer awareness, research and best treatment practices – and inimical to the ideals and goals of your organization,” Abraham Foxman, ADL’s national director, said in a letter to Hala Moddelmog, president and CEO of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
According to a notice on the advocacy group’s website, representatives of 10 Middle East nations were scheduled to participate in the conference, which the group said was undertaken with “unprecedented co-operation aimed at elevating awareness of breast cancer in the region and beyond.”
The conference was held under the auspices of Egypt’s first lady, Suzanne Mubarak, and supported by the Suzanne Mubarak Women’s International Peace Movement, the Egyptian Ministry of Health and the United States Agency for International Development, with assistance from the Institute of International Education and the Johns Hopkins University Center for Communication Programs.
This was the second time in less than a week that Egypt had prevented Israelis from entering the country for the purpose of attending a conference. On Oct. 9, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry refused to grant a visa to Yossi Gordon, the head of the Association of Contractors and Builders in Israel.
With files from The CJN