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Israeli President Reuven Rivlin asks Prince Charles for help to allow sick baby to be taken to Israel

Alta Fixsler's parents want to take her to Israel for treatment after UK doctors said “there was no prospect of her ever getting better”

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JERUSALEM, ISRAEL - JUNE 10: (ISRAEL OUT) In this handout image supplied by the Israeli Government Press Office (GPO), Newly elected Israeli President Reuven Rivlin makes a speech after the Presidential vote at the Knesset, on June 10, 2014 in Jerusalem, Israel. Reuven Rivlin was elected as Israel's 10th President on Tuesday, receiving the support of 63 Knesset members in a runoff vote against Meir Sheetrit. Rivlin will be ceremoniously sworn in as first citizen of Israel on July 24, 2014, replacing outgoing President Shimon Peres. (Photo by Amos Ben/GPO via Getty Images)

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin has written to Prince Charles for help in aiding the parents of a two-year-old suffering from irreversible brain damage, who want her to be treated in Tel Aviv.

It is the latest intervention since Israeli Health Minister Yuli Edelstein appealed to the British government, through Matt Hancock, to reverse the decision made by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust that “there was no prospect of her ever getting better”.

A High Court judge ruled that Alta Fixsler should be put into palliative care, agreeing with lawyers for the hospital in May.

However the family have requested that she be treated in Israel.

Alta, who suffered a brain injury at birth, is unable to breathe, eat or drink without medical intervention. The Manchester hospital told the court that she is unable to experience pleasure but could experience pain and distress.

Mr Rivlin wrote to Prince Charles: “I know that representations have been made to HM Government on this matter, but I feel that the unique circumstances warrant a personal intervention on my part to you. It would be a tragedy if these parents’ wishes could not be accommodated in a way that respects both the law and their religious beliefs.”

The Board of Deputies of British Jews as well as the Office of the Chief Rabbi have extended their support to the family. 

Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl said: “We welcome Israel’s offer to transfer Alta Fixler for treatment, in accordance with her parents’ wishes. We have written to the Department of Health and Social Care to ask that this be seriously considered.” 

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