Letter from Elchanan Pels to the Editor of the Jewish Press Responding to Criticism of Shaare Zedek Hospital (1970)
Dear Rabbi Lamm, I am sending you enclosed a photocopy of an article written by Arnold Fine in the April 17 to April 25 issue of the Jewish Press which shocked us very much. Although we can understand that Mr. Fine was upset about his son's illness and, being far from home, had to go through unfamiliar procedures, his report about Shaare Zedek is incredible and not factual. We feel that the whole tone of this article is so undignified that it would not be right for the hospital to send an official reply to the *Jewish Press*. On the other hand, this should not go unanswered, and the best possible reaction to such an article would be the spontaneous reply from a person like yourself who knows Shaare Zedek well from his personal experiences there and has a high standing in his community. You could state that this description of Shaare Zedek is completely out of line with your own experience of the hospital, both with regard to cleanliness and courteous treatment by our staff.We would very much appreciate it, were you to write a suitable letter to the *Jewish Press*.Nachum Pessin asked me to convey to you his warmest regards.Thanking you for any help you could give us in this matter, I am, with best wishes and personal regards,Director of Public RelationsEEP/smgcc: Rev. A. Asher HirschAmerican CommitteeShaare Zedek