Scores of activists engaged in smoking prevention and cessation advocacy efforts gathered at the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) on 14 June 2016, where the Knesset committee discussions and plenum were dedicated to promoting a "Smoke-Free Israel".
For the first time this year, with the approach of World No Tobacco Day, and upon the initiative of the Healthy Cities Network of the Local Authorities and the ICA, most of the entities engaged in tobacco control advocacy joined forces to promote awareness of the hazards of smoking in the Knesset. Dr. Yitzhak Lifshitz, the Knesset Physician, assisted in promoting this activity.
The highlight of the activity was the arrival of dozens of teens from across Israel who participated in smoking prevention activity throughout the year at their respective schools.
The students were welcomed by the Chairpersons of the various committees who allowed them to present their smoking prevention activity during the discussion.
The various committees discussed the various aspects of smoking in Israel and the ways of counteracting the negative effects of smoking:
The Education, Culture, and Sports Committee - addressed the role of the education system in reducing smoking pandemic among teens and maintaining a smoke-free environment.
During the discussion of the Committee on The Status of Women and Gender Equality, the subject of forced smoking among women in general and in Arab society in particular was addressed.
The Special Committee on Drug and Alcohol Abuse discussed coping strategies to deal with the hazards of cigarette smoking.
The Labor, Welfare and Health Committee - presented the Minister of Health's Report on Smoking in Israel for the Year 2015, and held a discussion on this topic.
An exhibition of students' was on display in the Knesset forecourt, public information and education booths were also set up, and speeches were made in the plenum to promote anti-smoking legislation.