Israel's London Embassy Demands Action on Antisemitism in UK Hospitals

The Israeli Embassy in London has urged the British government to take action against antisemitism following the release of a documentary detailing discrimination against Jews within the UK's healthcare system. The film, titled "Malignant Antisemitism in the British Healthcare System," was released on September 14 by the UK-based organization Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA).

The documentary features testimonies from Jewish patients and healthcare workers. One nurse recounted witnessing a colleague perform a Nazi salute, while a male patient shared an experience where a surgeon, during a procedure under local anesthetic, accused Jews of shooting Palestinian children "for fun." The CAA also documented antisemitic threats and assaults against healthcare professionals.

Coinciding with the film's release, the CAA published survey results indicating that 65% of British Jews fear their heritage could negatively impact their treatment in medical facilities. Furthermore, over 40% of those who sought medical care after October 7, 2023, reported taking steps to conceal their Jewish identity.

The Israeli Embassy expressed being "deeply shocked by the disturbing testimonies" from Jewish patients and staff, calling the situation a "profound and ongoing institutional failure" that requires accountability and decisive measures. The embassy stated, "No Jewish patient should fear prejudice when seeking medical care, and no Jewish healthcare worker should face hatred or intimidation at work or in their union."

In response, the embassy called on the British government to revise its approach and implement strong measures to combat antisemitism.