Madison-Rafah Journal

The Capital Times :: EDITORIAL :: 13A
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Barb Olson, Madison

Dear Editor: Thanks to Samara Kalk Derby and The Capital Times for reporting on Dr. Tawfiq Nasser's Madison area talk.As Dr. Nasser joked, it's great to get media coverage without him having to jab an Israeli colleague with a steak knife in order to get their attention.

However, there was one significant item omitted from your story. The continued existence of Augusta Victoria Hospital, where Dr. Nasser is director and CEO, is imperiled by Israel's decision to unilaterally revoke the decades-old tax-exempt status of the charitable hospital. The Israeli government reportedly now demands $350,000 in annual taxes and $1 million in back taxes from Augusta Victoria. It would also subject expensive medical equipment imported by the hospital to heavy taxes.

It is hard to imagine what might be the motive for such a decision, considering the damage that would be done to Palestinian health care. Could it be that Augusta Victoria, standing atop the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, is seen as prime real estate ripe for the taking by Israel?

In any case, Dr. Nasser urged Americans to write to their senators and congressmen in opposition to the tax status change. The very existence of Augusta Victoria is at stake.