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Calgary Herald (Alberta, Canada)
July 28, 2003 Monday Final Edition
SECTION: Arts & Style; Pg. B17
LENGTH: 189 words
SOURCE: The Associated Press
DATELINE: JERUSALEM

Former Superman star Christopher Reeve will visit Israel this week to study the country's treatment of spinal injuries and further his campaign for stem cell research.

Israel is a major centre for stem cell study, which is championed by Reeve as offering hope for people with severe spinal cord injuries.

Reeve, who was paralysed from the neck down in a 1995 horse-riding accident, is due to arrive in Israel today, Israeli officials and the actor's charity organization said.

During the five-day trip he will visit Israeli research institutions, tour facilities for the disabled and meet Israelis paralysed in terrorist attacks.

He also is expected to meet Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and visit Jerusalem's Western Wall, Judaism's holiest site.

Many scientists believe stem cells from human embryos could be used to treat a vast array of conditions, from spinal injury to diabetes and even Parkinson's disease.

U.S. federal law strictly limits stem cell research and Reeve has criticized the government's stance.

In April, he said social and religious conservatives "have had undue influence on the critical debate."