Delegates at the British Medical Association's (BMA) annual meeting have voted to campaign against the proposed adoption of an official definition of anti-Semitism across the health service, a move that has sparked outrage among some groups.
The union's delegates expressed 'grave concerns' that the definition suppresses free speech and overwhelmingly voted to lobby the government and NHS England to revoke its adoption. They also voted to oppose measures aimed at tackling anti-Semitism.
The motion was put forward by consultant rheumatologist Shabina Sultan, who stated that the definition is "used to silence Muslims and Palestinian voices by equating anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism." Sultan described the definition as a tool that "weaponises accusations to suppress our voices and obscure our oppression."
Among those present at the meeting was Dr. Rahmeh Aladwan, who is awaiting trial on six counts of supporting Hamas and stirring up anti-Jewish racial hatred. Reports indicate that she allegedly posted, "I don't condemn Hamas. I don't condemn October 7."
Following the vote, the Jewish Medical Association stated it was "highly alarmed" by the BMA's decision. The Israeli Embassy commented that the BMA had "neglected its duties and been hijacked."