A Jewish physician in the United Kingdom has raised serious concerns about antisemitism within the National Health Service, claiming that some medical professionals have openly stated they would refuse emergency treatment to Israeli patients, prompting a government response and an urgent review of the healthcare system.

The doctor, identified only as Baruch, told ITV News that he was disturbed by conversations with fellow healthcare workers at a London hospital who allegedly admitted they would not provide life-saving care to Israelis in emergency situations.

“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. If they are dying in A&E, I’ve been told by doctors that if they’re from Israel, then they will not treat that person. That to me is disgraceful,” Baruch stated.

Baruch also alleged that Jewish patients had, in some cases, been denied access to kosher food while receiving hospital care.

The accusations drew a swift response from Britain’s Department of Health and Social Care, which characterized the claims as deeply troubling.

Officials acknowledged broader concerns within the healthcare system, stating that “the medical healthcare professional regulatory system is failing to protect Jewish patients and NHS staff.”

In response to the allegations, Prime Minister Keir Starmer ordered an urgent review of antisemitism and discrimination within the NHS. The investigation will be led by Lord Mann and will examine both antisemitic incidents and other forms of racism throughout the public healthcare system.

Baruch said the atmosphere he has experienced within the medical profession, combined with growing concerns about antisemitism in British society, has led him and his wife to decide to leave the United Kingdom and relocate to Israel.

The move brings an end to a family history in Britain stretching back approximately 400 years, dating to the return of Jewish settlement during the era of Oliver Cromwell. With his parents and five siblings already living overseas, Baruch said he will be the last member of his family to leave.

“To have that long lineage of a family who came here 400 years ago and now having to leave because on the one hand we want to leave, we love Israel, but also leaving because of antisemitism, is very sad,” Baruch reflected.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care reiterated the government’s concerns and commitment to addressing the issue.

“These reports are shocking. It is unacceptable that people do not currently feel safe working in and using the health service. Recent incidents of antisemitism have drawn stark attention to problems of culture and how racist incidents are addressed. This government has been clear that change is needed and that the medical healthcare professional regulatory system is failing to protect Jewish patients and NHS staff. That’s why the prime minister ordered an urgent review, led by Lord Mann, into antisemitism and all forms of racism in the health service. We will use every tool at our disposal to make sure Jewish NHS staff feel safe at work,” the spokesperson confirmed.

The revelations come against the backdrop of a broader rise in antisemitic incidents across the United Kingdom. In late April, two Orthodox Jewish men were wounded in a stabbing attack in London’s Golders Green neighborhood, an incident that contributed to the government raising the national terrorism threat level from “substantial” to “severe” for the first time in more than four years.

{Matzav.com}