UK Jewish Doctor Claims Some Colleagues Would Refuse Treatment to Israelis
A Jewish doctor in the United Kingdom has alleged that he encountered severe antisemitic attitudes among some medical colleagues, including claims that certain doctors would refuse to treat Israeli patients in life-threatening situations.
The doctor, identified only as Baruch, told British broadcaster ITV that some healthcare professionals had expressed alarming views regarding the treatment of Israeli patients.
“It deeply frightens me that I have met doctors who said they would not treat someone from certain parts of the world,” he said. “If someone were dying in the emergency room and they were from Israel, there were doctors who told me they would not treat them. I find that disgraceful.”
Baruch, who works at a London hospital, also alleged that he had witnessed Jewish patients being denied kosher meals during hospital stays. He said antisemitism was not confined to public spaces but had also affected the healthcare system.
Living with his wife, Daniella, and their children in the Jewish neighborhood of Golders Green, Baruch said the family is preparing to immigrate to Israel, citing growing concerns about antisemitism and personal safety in Britain.
He also described experiencing antisemitic abuse in public, including being told to “go back where you came from” and receiving threats of acid attacks. “Growing up in northwest London, I never imagined I would be afraid to live here as a Jew, wear a kippah, or walk openly with my daughter as a Jewish family,” he said.
Baruch noted that his family has lived in England for nearly 400 years, dating back to the 17th century when Jews were allowed to return to Britain. However, he said he expects to be the last member of his family to leave the country, with his parents and five sisters already having moved to Israel.
His wife, Daniella, said many people struggle to understand why the family would move to a country facing ongoing security threats.
“People in Israel are actually worried about us,” she said. “They ask how we cope with the antisemitism here, because you never know when a random person on the street might attack you.”
Responding to the allegations, the UK Department of Health and Social Care described the reports as “shocking,” stating that it is unacceptable for people to feel unsafe either working in or receiving care from the healthcare system.
The department added that recent antisemitic incidents have raised serious concerns about workplace culture and the handling of racism complaints within the National Health Service (NHS).
The government has ordered an urgent review into antisemitism and other forms of racism in the health service, to be led by John Mann. Officials said they would use “every tool available” to ensure Jewish NHS staff feel safe in their workplaces.
