Doctor hit by water cannon at Jerusalem protest facing vision loss, says activist group

Renee Ghert-Zand is the health reporter and a feature writer for The Times of Israel.

Tal Weissbach after being struck by a police water cannon at a Jerusalem protest on June 17, 2024. (Courtesy)
Tal Weissbach after being struck by a police water cannon at a Jerusalem protest on June 17, 2024. (Courtesy)

The injury received by Dr. Tal Weissbach, a volunteer doctor at last night’s anti-government protest in Jerusalem, put her eyesight at risk, says the White Coats activist group.

Prof. Hagai Levine, one of the organization’s leaders, calls on the Israeli Medical Association to act after Weissbach was hit in the face by a police water cannon’s stream as she stood on the sidewalk of Radak Street wearing a brightly colored vest identifying her as a physician on volunteer duty.

Levine says that his organization continues to warn against excessive police violence at protests.

“According to witnesses, Dr. Weissbach did not pose any threat and did not participate in any violent actions. Her injury was caused by the illegal use of force by the police,” Levine says.

Mirsham, the organization of medical residents in Israel, demands an immediate legal investigation and says those responsible must be brought to account.

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