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AIBU - problems with antisemitism amongst NHS medical staff?

561 replies

Twiglets1 · 12/10/2026 06:32

The Campaign Against Antisemitism, a prominent UK watchdog group, has identified five healthcare professionals whose public statements it considers antisemitic or anti-Israel.

The five individuals, all current or former National Health Service employees, include midwife Fatimah Mohamied, who allegedly endorsed a post supporting Palestinian “resistance” on Oct. 7, 2023 by responding “Hell yeah!!!” to a post during the Hamas-led onslaught of October 7, 2023, that said: “Palestinians have a right to resist their occupation — we have a right to support them.”

Additionally, physician Dr. Abdelaal Ragheb Elfarra claimed Zionists control the media and the world; psychiatrist Dr. Ahmed Sewehli said regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “you need to be dead”; and emergency physician Dr. Nadeem Crowe described Israel as a “terrorist octopus.” Occupational therapist Zaida Akhtar allegedly shared a video appearing to encourage violence against Netanyahu’s son and a “false flag” claim about the Bondi Beach attack in Australia last year.

The allegations concerning the medical professionals follow a review published in June by John Mann, the British government’s independent adviser on antisemitism, which found “routine ostracism” of Jewish staff and patients within the NHS.

Jewish community representatives have warned that antisemitism in healthcare can affect patients at moments of particular vulnerability.

Karen Newman, a vice president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, described that concern during parliamentary testimony on May 14. She spoke about Jewish patients hesitating to request kosher meals after seeing a Palestinian badge on a nurse’s uniform.

“That is not a moment when you feel good asking for kosher meals,” she said.

https://www.jns.org/news/world/medical-staff-antisemitism-flagged-in-uk

OP posts:
Twiglets1 · 13/10/2026 19:02

inamarina · 13/10/2026 18:57

I get it, but I have seen a few threads recently that were surprisingly balanced and without the usual hyperbole.

Yes true.

Sorry @Newmotor88 that I missed your post yesterday.

Threads about antisemitism do attract a lot of controversy and it can be hard to read some of the comments on AIBU and Conflict in the Middle East I agree.

There are more sympathetic threads on other areas of Mumsnet, such as the Politics board.

OP posts:
Cartoonmouse · 13/10/2026 19:02

Dontmakemethinkofanotherbloodyusername · 13/10/2026 18:54

Y'know calling people abnormal or children or other personal attacks isn't making your logic look any more reasonable. Plus, showing some acknowledgment of equality laws and workplace discrimination would sound more mature while calling people 12 as well. We all have opinions and thoughts that aren't actionable in reality (many of us in the NHS think we should be paid more for example) but you can acknowledge you have a subjective opinions without needing to be immature if someone on a discussion forum asks you to think a bit more critically about it.

You havent asked me to think more critically though. You've just revealed that you defend the wearing of badges that frighten UK Jews. I don't think much critical thought is needed.

Anyway. Thats all.

Cartoonmouse · 13/10/2026 19:00

itsadlibitum · 13/10/2026 18:54

You have been entirely reluctant to answer a very simple question on whether Israeli symbolism should be banned, as well as others. You’ve commented very specifically on your view on several, but for some reason will no say yes, you think that should also include symbols of Israel. Which I find telling. And I wouldn’t keep asking if you didn’t keep responding with evasive non-answers. But, as I said, your responses have answered the questions even if you haven’t so I won’t ask again.

I honestly dont know what you mean by "Israeli symbolism". Do you mean a flag? I understand that is considered a political symbol and so is banned. Ive been very clear.

What interest me is that there are people in this country who would prefer to wear a badge that scares Jews. And think thats perfectly OK. It isnt.

Ok I feel like Ive said my piece and now will leave it up to you to carry on revealing yourself without my help.

Dontmakemethinkofanotherbloodyusername · 13/10/2026 18:58

inamarina · 13/10/2026 18:54

The State of Israel has officially stated no such thing, what you’re quoting is a social media post by one specific minister.

Why not just say minister of defense, when you know that. He's not some random MP.

inamarina · 13/10/2026 18:57

Newmotor88 · 12/10/2026 09:25

There is no point posting about antisemitism on mumsnet. I can’t even open these threads any more as it’s too painful.

I get it, but I have seen a few threads recently that were surprisingly balanced and without the usual hyperbole.

Dontmakemethinkofanotherbloodyusername · 13/10/2026 18:54

Cartoonmouse · 13/10/2026 18:46

Oh yes ban those too. 12 year olds shouldn't be working in the NHS. No need for badges.

Y'know calling people abnormal or children or other personal attacks isn't making your logic look any more reasonable. Plus, showing some acknowledgment of equality laws and workplace discrimination would sound more mature while calling people 12 as well. We all have opinions and thoughts that aren't actionable in reality (many of us in the NHS think we should be paid more for example) but you can acknowledge you have a subjective opinions without needing to be immature if someone on a discussion forum asks you to think a bit more critically about it.

inamarina · 13/10/2026 18:54

TheOnlyOnesLeft · 12/10/2026 09:24

Israel are stating in clear terms that they intend to ethnically cleanse Gaza, yet still people are defending Israel on this thread. I do find myself wondering if there is any limit to actions which some people will defend the Israeli regime for.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/28/israels-defence-minister-says-large-scale-palestinian-migration-from-gaza-will-go-ahead

The State of Israel has officially stated no such thing, what you’re quoting is a social media post by one specific minister.

itsadlibitum · 13/10/2026 18:54

Cartoonmouse · 13/10/2026 18:51

Helpful. Particularly when its been you continuously asking me a question. Right Ive checked. Flag are banned anyway. And no one needs to decorate themselves really?

So whats your point? I think you think Im in some way reluctant to ban all political symbols. Including flags? Not sure how you've got that impression. Ive said ban political symbols

You have been entirely reluctant to answer a very simple question on whether Israeli symbolism should be banned, as well as others. You’ve commented very specifically on your view on several, but for some reason will no say yes, you think that should also include symbols of Israel. Which I find telling. And I wouldn’t keep asking if you didn’t keep responding with evasive non-answers. But, as I said, your responses have answered the questions even if you haven’t so I won’t ask again.

Boolabus · 13/10/2026 18:53

Cartoonmouse · 13/10/2026 18:42

At the risk of this thread being groundhog day, poppies are not political symbols to the majority of normal people in mainland Britain. And I bet not to a lot of people in Northern Ireland either although I don't know. We only have the view of a poster on MN to contradict that.

Anyway lets agree to disagree. I think you are veey wrong and you think I am.

James McClean has revealed the agony his family go through as he receives death threats over his refusal to wear a remembrance poppy
Yeah not political at all

https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/sport/football/james-mcclean-explains-family-agony-32699053.amp

Cartoonmouse · 13/10/2026 18:51

itsadlibitum · 13/10/2026 18:47

It’s cute, your avoidance and skirting around it. And I won’t ask again because your refusal to answer it directly, ironically, answers it entirely.

Helpful. Particularly when its been you continuously asking me a question. Right Ive checked. Flag are banned anyway. And no one needs to decorate themselves really?

So whats your point? I think you think Im in some way reluctant to ban all political symbols. Including flags? Not sure how you've got that impression. Ive said ban political symbols

itsadlibitum · 13/10/2026 18:47

Cartoonmouse · 13/10/2026 18:43

Oh goodness me. Whats the question again?

It’s cute, your avoidance and skirting around it. And I won’t ask again because your refusal to answer it directly, ironically, answers it entirely.

Cartoonmouse · 13/10/2026 18:46

Dontmakemethinkofanotherbloodyusername · 13/10/2026 18:44

'normal people'

You also still can't get your head around people with Irish heritage live in Britain as well as many others who can see that the poppy is absolutely a political symbol, if it weren't it wouldn't be so policed of what it means when someone doesn't wear one and you wouldn't have drawn an assumptions about wearers of the white poppy in the way you did. I notice you ignored whether you also wish to ban pride lanyards and trade union badges.

Oh yes ban those too. 12 year olds shouldn't be working in the NHS. No need for badges.

Dontmakemethinkofanotherbloodyusername · 13/10/2026 18:44

Cartoonmouse · 13/10/2026 18:42

At the risk of this thread being groundhog day, poppies are not political symbols to the majority of normal people in mainland Britain. And I bet not to a lot of people in Northern Ireland either although I don't know. We only have the view of a poster on MN to contradict that.

Anyway lets agree to disagree. I think you are veey wrong and you think I am.

'normal people'

You also still can't get your head around people with Irish heritage live in Britain as well as many others who can see that the poppy is absolutely a political symbol, if it weren't it wouldn't be so policed of what it means when someone doesn't wear one and you wouldn't have drawn an assumptions about wearers of the white poppy in the way you did. I notice you ignored whether you also wish to ban pride lanyards and trade union badges.

Cartoonmouse · 13/10/2026 18:43

itsadlibitum · 13/10/2026 18:41

Except you weirdly - still - won’t answer the question. Why? It’s a simple yes or no?

Oh goodness me. Whats the question again?

Cartoonmouse · 13/10/2026 18:42

Dontmakemethinkofanotherbloodyusername · 13/10/2026 18:38

So pride lanyards, poppies and trade union badges too. You're welcome to your opinion but it's completely impractical in reality. You are at least not inconsistent in wishing to see the Israeli flag banned in hospitals as you are with poppies.

At the risk of this thread being groundhog day, poppies are not political symbols to the majority of normal people in mainland Britain. And I bet not to a lot of people in Northern Ireland either although I don't know. We only have the view of a poster on MN to contradict that.

Anyway lets agree to disagree. I think you are veey wrong and you think I am.

itsadlibitum · 13/10/2026 18:41

Cartoonmouse · 13/10/2026 18:39

I think weve already been through this?

Except you weirdly - still - won’t answer the question. Why? It’s a simple yes or no?

Cartoonmouse · 13/10/2026 18:39

itsadlibitum · 13/10/2026 18:37

symbols of Israel is the question.

I think weve already been through this?

Dontmakemethinkofanotherbloodyusername · 13/10/2026 18:38

Cartoonmouse · 13/10/2026 18:36

What..political symbols? Yes of course. No one wants to know other people's political views particularly when vulnerable in hospital.

Plus an adult should have grown out of wearing badges. Unless they are Rick from the Young Ones.

So pride lanyards, poppies and trade union badges too. You're welcome to your opinion but it's completely impractical in reality. You are at least not inconsistent in wishing to see the Israeli flag banned in hospitals as you are with poppies.

itsadlibitum · 13/10/2026 18:37

Cartoonmouse · 13/10/2026 18:36

What..political symbols? Yes of course. No one wants to know other people's political views particularly when vulnerable in hospital.

Plus an adult should have grown out of wearing badges. Unless they are Rick from the Young Ones.

symbols of Israel is the question.

Twiglets1 · 13/10/2026 18:36

You may not have seen any evidence @Laurmolonlabe but Lord Mann did.

Extracts from his report:

In my role as the government’s independent advisor on antisemitism, and in leading this review, I have heard evidence of routine ostracism of Jewish people, continuous negativity to people because of their identity, extreme behaviours including serious race hate incidents, and related consequences, for example, patients not wishing to present for treatment and staff no longer wishing to work within the NHS.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/lord-mann-review-on-antisemitism-and-other-forms-of-racism-in-the-nhs/lord-mann-review-of-antisemitism-and-other-forms-of-racism-in-the-nhs-and-healthcare-regulatory-system

OP posts:
Cartoonmouse · 13/10/2026 18:36

Dontmakemethinkofanotherbloodyusername · 13/10/2026 18:32

Do you think they should be banned?

What..political symbols? Yes of course. No one wants to know other people's political views particularly when vulnerable in hospital.

Plus an adult should have grown out of wearing badges. Unless they are Rick from the Young Ones.

Dontmakemethinkofanotherbloodyusername · 13/10/2026 18:35

Cartoonmouse · 13/10/2026 18:10

As far as I know no flag is allowed to be worn by NHS staff at work.

Kindly then you don't know much about the NHS! I've already told you that multiple flags are worn and displayed on NHS premises hence proposing to ban just one is gonna need proper logic or you have to revoke the entire existence of staff networks, black history month, remembrance ceremonies etc

inamarina · 13/10/2026 18:34

Hankunamatata · 12/10/2026 08:26

So if someone rants about Donald Trump and his actions does that make them racists against Americans?

That analogy doesn’t work.
Ranting about Donald Trump is equivalent to ranting about Netanyahu.
It is not equivalent to ranting about ‘the Zionists’.

OP posts:
Dontmakemethinkofanotherbloodyusername · 13/10/2026 18:32

Cartoonmouse · 13/10/2026 18:07

Well I doubt they are for safety reasons.

Have any Jewish doctors or nurses posted similar hate online about Palestinians and then treated them in an NHS hospital wearing an Israeli flag pin out of interest?

Do you think they should be banned?