The Israel Cancer Association (ICA) lauds the Labor, Social Affairs and Health Committee, headed by Member of Parliament Mr. Chaim Katz, for its impressive achievements, and expresses its disappointment that important amendments were note added to the ban on smoking.
In a meeting held on May 2, 2012, in the Knesset, attended by ICA representatives, most of the amendments to the law banning smoking in public places and exposure to passive smoke were approved.
Among the amendments approved: the ban on smoking in sheltered bus stations, as well as on train platforms, with the exception of a designated smoking area, at reception halls, in public bomb shelters, swimming pools, and more.
Alongside the impressive achievements, there was also disappointment due to the failure to approve amendments that prohibit smoking in stadiums, amphitheaters, and community centers and youth movement courtyards.
Mrs. Edna Peleg-Olevsky, ICA Spokesperson, said that: "In view of the decrease in the age of smokers, it is very important to limit smoking in public places where teens spend a lot of time, making it particularly imperative to restrict smoking in courtyards of community center and youth movement facilities."