LONDON (VINnews) — A Jewish doctor in Britain said he has encountered physicians who told him they would refuse to treat Israeli patients, even in life-threatening situations, according to comments aired in a television report on rising antisemitism in the United Kingdom.

The doctor, identified only as Baruch, made the remarks during an ITV News segment examining the experiences of British Jews amid growing concerns about antisemitism.

Baruch said some doctors had expressed unwillingness to provide medical care to people from Israel.

“It is very scary to me that I have met doctors who’ve said that they will not, point-blank, treat somebody who has come from certain areas of the world,” he said. He added that some physicians told him they would not treat Israeli patients even if their lives were at risk.

Baruch also said he has faced verbal abuse while wearing a kippah in public, including being told “Free Palestine” and “You don’t belong here.”

Britain’s Department of Health described the allegations as “shocking” and said it is unacceptable for people to feel unsafe while working in or using the National Health Service, according to reports.

The department also acknowledged concerns about the ability of existing regulatory systems to protect Jewish patients and NHS staff.

The comments come amid heightened tensions and reports of increased antisemitic incidents in Britain following the war between Israel and Hamas.