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Now More Than Ever, True Partnership in the Healthcare System

Photo by Activestills

In these turbulent times, many have looked to the healthcare system as a beacon of hope and a bastion of coexistence. But no true partnership can exist as long as Palestinian healthcare professionals are silenced and marginalized for voicing complex views, including voicing solidarity with their Palestinian brothers and sisters who are not citizens of Israel.

PHRI has been receiving reports of harassment on social media of Palestinian citizens working in the healthcare system. In one case, patients reported a family physician to the HMO she works for and posted her contact information and hateful messages against her online.

We have also been told that healthcare workers avoid speaking their minds for fear of losing their jobs or fear of being denied future opportunities and promotions. Everyone can feel their employers’ and colleagues’ watchful eyes on them – especially now. This caution includes Palestinian healthcare workers’ not exercising their right to participate in rallies in support of Palestinians, as they fear being labeled and targeted. Healthcare workers have also been scared to come to their workplaces at hospitals and medical offices in predominantly Jewish areas.

PHRI has called on the Minister of Health and the Ministry of Health Director General to stand with these healthcare workers: “As the highest ranking officials in the healthcare system, and the direct employers of many Palestinian citizens of Israel who work in the sector, we believe it is your duty to send a message that these workers have a right to express their opinions without fearing for their safety or jobs. You must recognize and protect their right to protest as individuals and as a community, while drawing a clear line that statements praising killing and violence will not be tolerated.”

We are not ignoring the many strengths of Israel’s healthcare community. We, too, believe this community has a unique potential for partnership, but saying this partnership already exists is more wishful thinking than reality. The road ahead is long, and we must follow it boldly; but first, we must recognize where we are today.

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