The Doctor Will (Not) See You Now: "Zionist" Exclusion in Healthcare
How hostility toward Jewish professionals and patients jeopardizes the integrity of medical institutions
In the UK, the British Medical Association (BMA) has found itself at the center of a storm after its president was accused of making antisemitic remarks related to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. These comments, which have sparked outrage across various communities, have brought to light how the intersection of political events and professional spaces can create hostile environments for Jewish healthcare professionals and patients. The charged atmosphere surrounding global conflicts like the Israel-Hamas war increasingly bleeds into everyday institutions, including those that are meant to provide care, protection, and neutrality.
The controversy surrounding the BMA has raised serious questions about the organization's commitment to diversity and inclusion, particularly as the healthcare sector is meant to serve people of all backgrounds. Critics argue that leaders in professional organizations, including those in healthcare, must set clear ethical boundaries when it comes to political discourse. When remarks are made that veer into harmful, exclusionary rhetoric, it becomes harder for Jewish professionals to feel safe and respected in their workplaces. Additionally, patients may also feel vulnerable in such environments, where political tensions directly impact their care.
The U.S. Experience: Antisemitism in the Healthcare Workforce
Across the Atlantic, the United States is facing similar challenges. A recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine revealed a shocking statistic: nearly 40% of Jewish medical professionals have either personally experienced or witnessed antisemitism in their workplaces. Conducted by StandWithUs, a nonprofit advocacy group, the study highlights a sharp increase in antisemitic incidents since the October 7 massacre by Hamas, which exacerbated global tensions and stoked antisemitic sentiment.
The report from StandWithUs details a range of disturbing behaviors, from hate speech and social isolation to outright discriminatory hiring practices. In one particularly chilling account, a Jewish medical professional recalled a colleague suggesting that “Zionists” should be denied medical care—a deeply troubling example of how political ideologies can influence the most fundamental aspects of medical ethics. Another respondent shared that they were placed on a “do not call or hire” list solely because of their Jewish identity. The study also found that about one-quarter of participants felt unsafe or threatened at their workplaces due to their religion.
Institutional Failures: Ignoring Antisemitism in Diversity Training
Equally concerning is the institutional failure to address these incidents effectively. The study pointed out that many medical institutions and professional organizations either ignored antisemitism or failed to incorporate it into their anti-bias training programs, focusing instead on other forms of discrimination. This failure to address antisemitism in formal training only compounds the problem, as it allows bias and bigotry to persist unchecked.
Dr. Kelly Michelson, a co-author of the study, stressed the moral obligation of medical institutions to include antisemitism in their diversity and anti-bias training programs. This, she argued, is essential not only to protect Jewish healthcare professionals but also to safeguard the well-being of all patients. If healthcare systems fail to address these issues, they undermine their credibility as institutions that prioritize care, empathy, and trust.
The surge in antisemitism within the healthcare system highlights a broader, systemic failure to create truly inclusive and respectful work environments. Leaders in medical organizations must recognize that when figures in positions of power contribute to or fail to address antisemitic rhetoric, it compromises the professional integrity of the entire institution. Such actions risk normalizing bigotry, masquerading as political discourse, and allowing discrimination to infiltrate spaces where impartiality and trust should reign supreme.