Arab Lawyers Demand Criminal Probe Into Incitement Against Arab Medical Staff

A newly formed coalition of Arab lawyers, "Lawyers Against Racism," is demanding immediate criminal investigations into individuals inciting hatred against Arab doctors and medical personnel. The group warns that racist rhetoric could escalate from statements to physical assaults, criticizing what they describe as a "suspicious official silence" on the matter.

Khalid Zabarka, a member of the coalition, stated that the group sent a letter to the Attorney General and other judicial officials, urging them to investigate those inciting against Arab doctors. He noted that the healthcare system, once a model of Arab-Jewish cooperation, has become a target for persecution since October 7th, with Arab medical professionals now facing incitement.

Zabarka emphasized that Arab doctors, nurses, and pharmacists serve all patients without discrimination and deserve respect for their high professional standards. The coalition's letter included "blatant examples" of incitement, such as statements by Rabbi Meir Shmueli claiming Arab doctors kill Jews in hospitals more than Hamas does, and a post by Yissachar Hyman suggesting a "next October 7th" could occur within hospitals due to accusations against Arab medical staff.

The coalition is pursuing legal action, including personal lawsuits against those inciting hatred and demanding criminal probes into the publishers of such statements. Zabarka stated their goal is to compel law enforcement to act and prevent incitement from leading to direct attacks on Arab medical workers.

Zabarka criticized the official silence, arguing it allows the phenomenon to persist and expand. He expressed fears of incitement moving from speech to physical assaults and called for decisive measures. He warned that this campaign harms not only Arab medical staff but also the quality of healthcare for all patients, as Arab medical teams are a vital part of the health system. The coalition vows to continue its legal efforts to confront this "racist phenomenon at its roots."