Medics Accused of Spreading Anti-Semitic Views Within UK's NHS

A growing number of healthcare professionals within the UK's National Health Service (NHS) are accused of promoting anti-Semitic views, creating a hostile environment for Jewish colleagues and patients. Revelations include doctors sharing conspiracy theories, making derogatory comments, and designing controversial symbols linked to pro-Palestinian activism.

One prominent case involves Dr. Abdul Qader Ismail, an Oxford-educated pediatrician who designed a 'Palestine poppy' sold on eBay, with profits designated for charities aiming to end the 'occupation' in Gaza. Military veterans have criticized the symbol, while others object to its association with slogans calling for the destruction of Israel. Ismail's past comments, including describing Hamas's October 7 attacks as legal 'armed resistance' and promoting anti-Semitic conspiracy theories about organ harvesting, have drawn significant backlash.

Campaigners and medical professionals suggest these views have become more prevalent since the October 7 attacks, leading to Jewish medics being called 'baby-killers' and facing other forms of abuse. Jewish patients have also reported being subjected to anti-Israel rhetoric, sometimes during medical procedures. A cancer patient undergoing surgery described being told by a surgeon that "the Jews do it for fun" regarding alleged actions in Gaza.

A compilation by a campaign group lists approximately 40 doctors, many working within the NHS, who allegedly espouse disturbing views. Among them is a senior trauma surgeon at a London hospital who shared an AI-generated image depicting Orthodox Jewish men celebrating the 9/11 attacks and cartoons comparing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Nazis. Another case involves an NHS pediatrician suspended for describing Hamas as 'oppressed resistance fighters, NOT terrorists' and posting about 'Jewish supremacy'. An Iraq-born surgeon in north London is accused of sharing conspiracy theories, including claims that the Israeli military was responsible for most Jewish deaths on October 7 and that Mossad orchestrated the JFK and 9/11 attacks.

Further allegations include Dr. Rahmeh Aladwan, who was allowed to continue working for the NHS despite allegedly making a 'slit your throat' gesture and posting anti-Semitic content online. She was later barred from practice for 15 months and is scheduled to stand trial in 2027 for allegedly supporting Hamas on social media.

Jewish patients have also experienced direct harassment. IT manager Saul Freeman recounted being subjected to anti-Semitic remarks by a surgeon while undergoing a biopsy. He also featured in a documentary titled 'Malignant: Antisemitism In The NHS,' where nurse Shelly Lipman described receiving a 'Nazi salute' from a colleague after discussing her Jewish heritage.

Campaigners accuse the General Medical Council (GMC) of failing to adequately address anti-Semitism. A documentary clip suggested a GMC adviser indicated the regulator was more likely to close anti-Semitism complaints than others and had not adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of anti-Semitism.

An anonymous Jewish NHS surgeon stated that Islamophobia is currently the GMC's priority, allowing anti-Semitic incidents to be dismissed as freedom of speech. This creates anxiety for patients who may discover a doctor's anti-Zionist sentiments online before their treatment. The surgeon also noted that the GMC appears focused on reducing complaints involving foreign-born doctors.

The Department of Health and Social Care has acknowledged the issue, with a review recommending mandatory anti-Semitism training and restrictions on political symbols within the NHS. However, the British Medical Association voted to oppose these recommendations, citing concerns for freedom of expression.

When approached, Dr. Ismail did not respond to requests for comment, and his social media accounts were reportedly removed. A Department of Health spokesperson stated they expect the NHS and GMC to take strong action against anti-Semitism. The GMC affirmed that anti-Semitism is unacceptable and that they investigate serious concerns, noting that approximately 19.5% of doctors facing complaints related to anti-Semitism have faced regulatory action, including two who were erased from the medical register.