Anti-Arab racism in Israel’s health system ignores a critical doctor shortage - opinion

An opinion piece published in the Jerusalem Post highlights concerns about anti-Arab racism within Israel's healthcare system, arguing it exacerbates a critical doctor shortage. The author, Susan Hattis Rolef, recalls an incident from about 15 years ago at the Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem.

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After all, we are a Jewish state, and the Arabs are our enemies.

A young, American-born religious woman expressed irritation at the presence of Arab doctors, nurses, technicians, and cleaners, stating, "After all, we are a Jewish state, and the Arabs are our enemies." Rolef reflects that while Israel is a Jewish state, it is also democratic, with Arab citizens holding voting rights and expecting equal treatment. She notes that while Israel is in a state of war with many Arab states, this does not justify prejudice against Israeli Arabs.

Rolef contends that such racist sentiments, always present to some extent, have intensified since the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. She points to a specific incident at Rambam Medical Center in Haifa where four wounded Israeli soldiers were treated. According to the uncle of one soldier, who chairs a right-wing forum, his nephew was allegedly mistreated by an "Arabic-speaking medical team" who prevented relatives from entering the ward.

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we are a Jewish state, but it is also a democratic one.

The article suggests that the fact that some Israeli Arabs were killed or taken hostage by Hamas on October 7 has not significantly impacted most Israeli Jews' perceptions. The author implies that these incidents fuel a cycle of mistrust and discrimination, despite the contributions of Arab citizens to Israeli society, including within its healthcare sector.

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Arabic-speaking medical team