Rt Hon David Blunkett MP visits the Eye Hospital

On November 29th former Home Secretary, David Blunkett, visited St John Eye Hospital. He was in East Jerusalem in connection with his work for Labour Friends of Israel.

During his visit Mr Blunkett had the chance to meet with Professor Saul Merin, who briefed him on the Eye Hospital’s Joint Training Programme and our strong medical links with the Israeli Hadassah Hospital.

Mr Blunkett was also informed by members of the Hospital Executive Team of all aspects of St John’s medical and educational work in Jerusalem and through our Outreach centres. Mr Blunkett, the former Home Secretary and current MP for Sheffield, showed great appreciation for the day-to-day hardships faced by our patients in the West Bank and Gaza - and their difficulties in gaining permits to enter East Jerusalem.

Labour Friends of Israel is an active group of the UK Labour Party which seeks “to promote a strong bilateral relationship between Britain and Israel” but also realises the importance of an effective working relationship with Palestinian representatives.