Pharmacy Association Slams Channel 14 for Anti-Arab Remarks
Translated & summarized from Davar by baba
The Pharmacy Association has strongly condemned Channel 14 for comments made on the program 'Shi et Petchi' that expressed suspicion towards Arab pharmacists. Host Shi Goldstein and other panelists made remarks suggesting Arab pharmacists could be untrustworthy or pose a threat. The association defended Arab pharmacists as essential healthcare providers and called for an apology from the channel, while also considering legal action. They urged public officials to condemn the statements, which were reportedly a reaction to a Joint List party election video.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- The Pharmacy Association criticized Channel 14 for dangerous and demeaning remarks about Arab pharmacists.
- Host Shi Goldstein suggested Arab pharmacists could tamper with medications.
- Panelists questioned the trustworthiness and suitability of Arab pharmacists.
- The association defended Arab pharmacists as integral to the healthcare system.
- Channel 14 is called upon to issue an official apology.
- The association is considering legal action and urging public condemnation of the remarks.
The Pharmacy Association has sharply criticized Channel 14 for comments that cast suspicion on Arab pharmacists. In a statement released Thursday, the association declared that portraying Arab pharmacists as untrustworthy is dangerous, demeaning, and could expose them to hostility and harm. The remarks were made on the program 'Shi et Petchi' on Tuesday.
During the broadcast, host Shi Goldstein suggested that Arab pharmacists could tamper with medications, stating, "If one day they decide to pull a trick on us, it'll be a waste of time, they'll switch everyone's medication." Co-host Noam Petchi told the audience, "Say thank you every day that you are citizens of Israel." Panelist Osnat Zohar commented, "When I arrive at Big G'lilot, I'm afraid to speak Hebrew." Another panelist, Dror Kafah, questioned why an Arab-speaking person would be hired as a pharmacist, suggesting other professions like a plasterer or McDonald's employee instead.
The Pharmacy Association emphasized that Arab pharmacists are an integral part of the healthcare system, providing dedicated and responsible professional care to everyone in routine and emergency situations. They called for an official apology from Channel 14 and are exploring legal options against those responsible for the "nonsense and defamatory statements." The association also urged the Health Minister, public officials, and healthcare leadership to publicly condemn the remarks and stand with Arab pharmacists, warning that silence in the face of racism is akin to complicity.
The discussion on Channel 14 was reportedly a response to an election video released by the Joint List party, which depicted an Arab pharmacist speaking Hebrew to an Arab customer, after the pharmacy manager allegedly forbade her from doing so.
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