Arab Doctors Face Wave of Racism After Viral Hospital Video

A video circulating on social media, showing individuals harshly criticizing an Arab doctor at Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh) while he was treating a patient named Sigalit, has sparked widespread incitement and racist reactions against Arab doctors and medical staff. Thousands of offensive comments and posts ensued, with some asking inflammatory questions like, "Who let these saboteurs treat Jews in hospitals?"

Following this incitement, Dr. Salha Abu Sabieh (Faraj), an emergency medicine specialist at the hospital, posted a poignant message expressing her fear and inability to report for her shift. She described the doctor in the video as a dedicated colleague with exceptional humanity, emphasizing that every patient deserves care. She condemned the racist remarks, questioning how a doctor who underwent years of study could be called a saboteur simply for being Arab.

Dr. Abu Sabieh, who has been treating wounded soldiers and civilians since October 7, stated that racism has alarmingly escalated since the war began. She recounted hearing comments like "You are a saboteur, go back to Gaza" and doubts cast on her medical treatments. She asserted that her identity and Arab heritage are not accusations and that her white coat does not hide who she is, nor should it be removed to appease others. She clarified that they seek no immunity from professional criticism but that their origin should not justify incitement or labeling them as terrorists.

The administration of Shamir Medical Center, through its Director General Prof. Osnat Levinson-Koreh, strongly condemned the campaign and announced a formal complaint to the police against the individual who filmed and incited against the staff. The administration affirmed its zero-tolerance policy for racism and threats, emphasizing its full support for its Arab and Jewish medical and nursing staff who work together diligently to save lives with professionalism and dedication.