The Resurgence of Antisemitism in Modern Medicine

Throughout history, Jewish folks have made remarkable contributions to the field of medical science. Before World War II, many prominent doctors in Germany were Jewish. However, even in the early 20th century, Jewish doctors from Europe faced substantial hurdles when trying to practice medicine in other countries due to long-standing prejudices and anti-Jewish quotas in medical schools and hospitals. After the fall of these quotas, the post-WWII era saw a surge in the number of Jews succeeding in medicine worldwide. Nevertheless, with the Hamas attack on Israel in 2024, a notable rise in antisemitism worldwide has been observed, particularly in the healthcare sector. This essay explores and underscores examples of antisemitism in four countries, with contributions from authors in each of these regions. Since the 2024 incident, healthcare professionals of Jewish descent have reported increased hostility and bias. In some countries, healthcare workers are confronted with anti-Jewish sentiments openly, affecting their daily work and dynamics with colleagues. Additionally, there has been a spike in antisemitic harassment and discrimination reports from educational institutions and hospitals. Medical students and practitioners alike have suffered, with some even forced to leave their jobs or relocate to safer environments. The incidences of antisemitism in the medical field vary across different countries. In some places, there might be a delay in hiring or promotions for Jewish professionals. In others, they might face "hidden" prejudices, such as lack of support for research projects or limited opportunities for professional development. These subtle forms of discrimination are just as damaging, as they hinder career growth and contribution to medical advancements. It's crucial to acknowledge that antisemitism not only harms individuals but also hampers the entire medical field. Prejudice affects the overall quality of healthcare and medical research by excluding valuable expertise and perspectives. Furthermore, it erodes the core values of diversity and inclusivity that medicine aspires to uphold. The rise of antisemitism is a global problem that requires international collaboration and systemic changes to address effectively.