On July 10, Dr. Michelle Elisburg, pediatrician and co-chair of the Hadassah Physicians Council, joined together with the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations and leading Jewish voices in the medical community for a powerful panel on growing antisemitism in the healthcare arena and how it is negatively impacting Jewish patients and professionals of all types.
Stories of Antisemitism at Work and School
Dr. Elisburg, a pediatrician in Kentucky, told the story of a deeply uncomfortable conversation with a colleague who distinguished between “good Jews” and “bad Jews,” deeming a Zionist Jew a "bad Jew." She never expected she’d be teaching her colleagues about antisemitism and hatred, but now she recognizes the importance of being “curious, not judgmental,” a mindset that has allowed her to engage in thoughtful conversations with coworkers who may initially express antisemitic views and anti-Zionist views but who are open to learning and growth.
Fellow panelists Michelle Stravitz, CEO of the American Jewish Medical Association, and Rabbanit Alissa Thomas-Newborn, who leads Neshama: Association of Jewish Chaplains, shared their experiences encountering antisemitism since October 7, 2023. Alexandra Fishman, director of data and analytics for StandWithUs, presented new research finding that academic medical centers have some of the highest rates of antisemitism.
Panelists also discussed the importance of upholding the medical code of ethics and emphasized that, unfortunately, these principles stand in stark contrast to the growing antisemitism Jewish patients, professionals and medical students are experiencing today.
Highlighting Hadassah’s Recent Survey
Dr. Elisburg and fellow panelists emphasized that antisemitism not only harms Jewish patients but also threatens the entire medical establishment. She highlighted Hadassah’s recent survey, “From Fear to Resilience: Women Facing Antisemitism,” which documents stories of Jewish women feeling isolated, afraid and threatened in every facet of their lives, including at doctors’ offices and waiting rooms. The report underscores the pervasiveness of antisemitism, which is affecting the everyday lives of two-thirds of Jewish women surveyed.
Standing Up to Antisemitism in Healthcare
The panelists resolved to work together to combat antisemitism and make healthcare an inclusive space. When asked what motivates her, Dr. Elisburg shared, “What keeps me going is fighting back. My power is my voice.”
Hadassah will always stand up to antisemitism and anti-Zionism. Join us in taking action and visit our National Action Center to call on your members of Congress to address the alarming rise in antisemitism.
Hadassah Professional Councils uplift Hadassah’s advocacy work. Visit our website to learn more about how our physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals support each other and raise their voices to enact positive change.
