With a keffiyeh and bloodied hand symbol, doctor sparks outrage over anti-Israel protest at graduation

During the medical school graduation ceremony at the University of California, San Diego, a future pediatrician waved a flag bearing an anti-Israel message. She also wore a keffiyeh with a red hand symbol, identified with violence against Jews.

The local community and physicians' organizations contacted the institution in Minnesota where she is expected to begin her residency. "This raises concerns about her ability to treat Jewish children," they said. The student responded to the incident, saying, "I am proud to be part of the struggle."

Morgan Chalmers, a medical student at the University of California, San Diego, caused an uproar after waving a Palestinian flag at the degree conferral ceremony. Chalmers, who is set to begin a pediatric residency at the University of Minnesota, waved a flag reading "Divest from Death" and wore a keffiyeh with a red hand symbol.

The incident prompted a sharp protest from the Jewish community and medical organizations, which raised concerns about how the doctor would treat Jews. In a letter sent by the Jewish Medical Association, it was noted that many in the Jewish community see the red hand symbol as one associated with violence and extremist acts against Jews.

The organization emphasized that "medical staff are expected to treat patients from all backgrounds equally," and that "a public display of hostile symbols undermines confidence in the doctor's ability to act with respect and equality toward Jewish families."

Faculty members who were on stage during the event did not express any opposition or protest to the doctor's act, and some even applauded.

One faculty member at the university, who chose not to be identified, addressed the incident and was quoted in the letter: "Using the stage in this way is offensive and inappropriate. It means that the environment here is no longer one in which everyone is equally accepted or able to feel safe. She went on stage proudly and happily, which raises serious concerns about how she will treat Jewish children under her care."

Chalmers herself responded to the incident on social media and wrote that she was proud to join thousands of students calling for an end to the "institutional partnership in Israel's occupation of Palestine."

In response, members of the Jewish community contacted the leadership of the medical institution in Minnesota where she is expected to join. The letter asked supervisors to assess the case and consider questions related to professionalism, inclusion, and the ability to treat patients from all communities without distinction.

"My concern is not based on the student's political views," the appeal said. "It is based on conduct that I believe may affect her ability to build trust among members of the Jewish community."

A review by community members found that Chalmers routinely posts harsh anti-Israel content. Among other things, it was alleged that she helped publish a social media post identifying Jewish students at the University of California, San Diego by name alongside video footage of them, in an appeal to identify them.