Antisemitism in Medicine: An International Perspective

Area of Science:

• Medical History
• Social Sciences
• Public Health

Background:

• Jewish people have a long history of significant contributions to medical science.
• Pre-existing antisemitism and quotas in the 1930s created barriers for European Jewish doctors seeking refuge.
• Post-World War II saw a resurgence of Jewish professionals excelling in international medicine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and highlight contemporary examples of antisemitism within the healthcare sector.
• To examine the resurgence of antisemitism globally, specifically post-October 7, 2023.
• To analyze antisemitic incidents in healthcare across four distinct countries.

Main Methods:

• Review of scholarly literature and case studies.
• Analysis of reported incidents of antisemitism in healthcare.
• Cross-jurisdictional comparison of antisemitic trends.

Main Results:

• The study identifies and documents specific instances of antisemitism in healthcare settings.
• A correlation is observed between global events and increased antisemitism in medicine.
• Examples from four countries illustrate the current challenges faced by Jewish medical professionals.

Conclusions:

• Antisemitism continues to manifest in the medical field, posing risks to healthcare professionals and the integrity of medical institutions.
• The findings underscore the need for continued vigilance and action against prejudice in healthcare.
• Further research is recommended to understand and combat contemporary antisemitism in medicine.