Antisemitism in medical schools, hospitals spiked after Oct. 7: JMAO

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Canada’s ongoing antisemitism crisis has Jewish physicians considering leaving the country, say a group of concerned medical professionals.

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The Jewish Medical Association of Ontario (JMAO) presented data during a Queen’s Park press conference Wednesday that showed how Canada’s explosion of hate, following last year’s Hamas terror attack on Israel, is having a real impact on doctors in Canada.

JMAO Chair Dr. Ayelet Kuper described the problem as one impacting not just Jewish doctors, but Canada’s entire medical system.

“Antisemitism in Canadian health care has intensified dramatically since Oct. 7 (2023),” she told reporters.

“This is not an isolated issue — when any group faces discrimination, it impacts the foundation of trust and safety in our health-care system.”

According to a survey of over a 1,000 Jewish physicians across Canada, fewer than 1% considered antisemitism a problem in Canada before last year’s Hamas terror attacks, which saw scores of Palestinian terrorists conduct a campaign of murder, kidnapping and sexual assault against Gaza-adjacent Israeli towns.

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After those attacks, however, that number grew to 80%.

Nearly three-quarters of respondents say they’ve experienced antisemitism in university or academic settings, while over 60% say they’ve encountered anti-Jewish hatred in hospitals.

With Canada is becoming an increasingly unsafe nation for Jews, 31% of respondents say they’re considering moving outside of Canada.

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Since the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks, Canadian universities have seen regular and often problematic protests, demonstrations and encampments by anti-Israel activists.

“Institutional inaction is enabling this problem, and governments must take responsibility for creating safe and inclusive environments,” Kuper said.

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“JMAO is calling on institutions to act, to protect Jewish doctors, health-care professionals, students and residents, to create policies to ensure a safe environment for all, to uphold the standards of equity and care that all Canadians deserve.”

Dr. Barry Pakes, a U of T medical professor, told the press conference that respondents shared scores of disturbing stories of discrimination and antisemitism, both on campus and in clinics.

He said that though he regularly got catcalled on the U of T campus for wearing a kippah before Oct. 7, the level of hate he now sees forced him to cover up with a ballcap.

“That’s something that hadn’t ever before happened to me before personally, because I did feel threatened, and I felt it wouldn’t be safe to come as I am,” he said.

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Before October 2023, a little over 25% of Jewish medical students experienced academic antisemitism — a number that grew to 63% afterwards. That’s prompted 67% of respondents to express concern over the future.

According to the survey, the most common manifestation of antisemitism occurred through organizational policies (57% of respondents); organizational communications (55%); interpersonal interactions with colleagues (53%); interactions with non-physician staff (41%); and administration or leadership (38%.)

bpassifiume@postmedia.com
X: @bryanpassifiume

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