ICF - Concern Events Israel

Based on the dramatic events in Israel and in request of our member in Israel, the Executive Committee send a letter expressing the concern of the ICF tot her President of Israel, mr Shimon Peres, and to the Prime Minister, as well as the chairman of the Knesset (Israeli Parliament):

“ The Hague, 30 August 2007

Mr. President,

Founded in London in 1937 the International Cremation Federation is an international non-profit organisation devoted to promoting the practice of cremation to the highest standard.

In 1996 the International Cremation Federation was granted Consultative Status (Roster) with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. The Federation has the ability to contribute to the international cremation movement and work of the United Nations at the highest level. The Federation has accredited representatives at the United Nations headquarters in New York and United Nations offices in both Vienna and Geneva for meetings of ECOSOC. In addition it has appointed representatives to four regional economic commissions for Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Asia and the Pacific.

The aims of the Federation defined in its Statutes are:

• to provide information concerning cremation - the merits, viewed, inter alia, from an hygienic, ethical, economic and aesthetic standpoint;
• to simplify the process of cremation and to secure a general recognition of this rite;
• to free cremation from legal restrictions in countries where they still exist;
• to raise cremation to the same level as interment, including in ecclesiastical circles;
• to eliminate problems encountered in transporting the ashes of a deceased person from one country to another.

It works towards these objectives by:

• providing appropriate explanations to members and also by providing explanations to the public and all kinds of organisation concerning the technical procedures and practical experience relating to cremation;
• implementing agreements between organisations concerning the cremation of deceased members of organisations abroad;
• promoting cremation with the aid of all available means;
• holding international cremation congresses and publishing official reports of the transactions of these congresses;
• negotiating with ecclesiastical and government authorities with the aim of making cremation possible or simplifying it;
• co-operating with organisations closely associated with cremation.

Based on the above, you will understand that the ICF and our membership are deeply concerned with the events, as reported in the international media, concerning cremation in your country. ICF was further shocked by the details and additional information provided by Mr. Alon Nativ, director of Aley Shalechet, a member of the ICF.

Our Federation fully accepts and recognises the freedom of choice concerning cremation, and certainly the (religious and historical) motives of individuals to reject the tradition of cremation. On the other hand, we are of strong belief that this freedom to reject cremation should not stand in the way of the freedom of those that do embrace cremation. In a democratic and modern state this fundamental freedom of choice concerning death care and bereavement should be acknowledged, secured and protected by the Government.

Our Federation calls upon your support to ensure that cremation becomes legally and practically available in your country. At the same time we would like to draw your attention to the worries we have with regard to the personal safety of Mr. Alon Nativ and his staff.

On behalf of our membership and the international cremation movement we take the liberty of urgently requesting the democratic Government of Israel to ensure that the right to choose cremation becomes part of official legislation, at the same time guaranteeing the safety of crematoria and their staff.

Mr. President, it goes without saying that we are fully at your disposal to answer any questions you might have or for any other support we are able to provide to you. We would appreciate to receive your reaction at your earliest convenience.

Respectfully and sincerely yours,

Henry J. Keizer,

Secretary-General “