NEWS: Doctors report surge in antisemitism complaints

As reported by BBC News, rising concerns as medical professionals face increased allegations of antisemitic behaviour, following the 7 October attacks and the subsequent Israel-Gaza war, according to General Medical Council records

One doctor, a senior Jewish physician in London, told the BBC he had been subjected to a vicious antisemitic outburst by a colleague a few days after the deadly attacks.

The rise in antisemitic complaints, as well as Islamophobic complaints, mirrors a broader trend of increased religious hate crimes in the UK since the recent conflict, according to figures obtained by the BBC.

The GMC, which regulates doctors in the UK, said it was investigating serious concerns and would take action where necessary.

The doctor at the London hospital, who requested to remain anonymous, described the “appalling” verbal attack from a co-worker.

“This doctor knew I was Jewish, and just days after October 7th he started expressing support for Hamas, repeatedly shouting, ‘You’re a baby-killer’, in my face.”

The doctor said he was left “extremely upset, horrified and shaken” by the harassment at work.

“I’ve never before had it in such a blatant way inside a hospital – a place which is supposed to be the ultimate safe space.”

The BBC understands that the hospital concerned is investigating all aspects of the case, including the antisemitism allegations.

From the start of 2023, the GMC received eight complaints about antisemitism by doctors.

However, in the four months after the Hamas attacks, 60 medical professionals were reported for alleged antisemitic conduct or remarks against their colleagues across the UK.

Of these 60 complaints, 22 are currently undergoing “triage”, a process where the GMC determines whether a complaint should proceed to a full investigation.

According to the GMC, 1,903 doctors identified as Jewish in 2023, the most recent data available. This is roughly 1% of licensed doctors in the UK.