Israeli Medical Staff Rally Against Racism Targeting Arab Doctors

Medical staff at Shamir Medical Center in Be'er Yaakov held a rally on Monday, November 9, to support Dr. Walid Salah, who faced racist harassment on social media. The harassment began after a video surfaced showing a man accompanying a patient accusing Dr. Salah of improper treatment. The online discussion escalated into attacks against Arab-Israeli doctors, with some commenters labeling them "terrorists." The rally, under the slogan "We are together, you are not alone," included both Jewish and Arab hospital employees and leadership. Professor Zion Hagai, Chairman of the Israel Medical Association, also attended to show solidarity. Hospital administration reported that in the preceding two days, staff had faced not only racist insults but also threats. Dr. Salah expressed gratitude for the support, stating he continued to treat the patient despite the incident. The controversy originated from a Facebook video posted on Saturday, October 7, showing the patient's companion confronting Dr. Salah. The video's author, Shimon Gil, who has been assisting the patient, a homeless woman, stated his intention was to draw attention to her plight and distanced himself from the racist comments, emphasizing his concern was for the patient's well-being. Dr. Salah Abu-Sbia (Fraj), an emergency medicine specialist at Shamir, shared her distress over the racist remarks, noting that such comments make it difficult to return to work. She highlighted her dedication and experience, including treating wounded soldiers after October 7, and asserted that her Arab identity is not grounds for suspicion or accusation. The Israel Medical Association's Professor Hagai called for an end to the harassment, warning that such rhetoric undermines trust in the healthcare system and is often fueled by baseless populist statements. Shamir Medical Center's Director General, Professor Osnat Levtzion-Korach, affirmed the hospital's zero-tolerance policy for racism and threats, emphasizing the unity of Jewish and Arab staff. Professor Eli Sprecher, Director of Ichilov Medical Center, also reassured Arab staff of their value and the hospital's commitment to their safety and belonging. Dr. Abu-Sbia's father, Abd al-Baset Freij, attended the rally to support his daughter and all Arab medical workers, refuting claims of preferential treatment and stating that Arab citizens are an integral part of Israel.