In a bold move, more than 550 Jewish physicians affiliated with the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine (TFOM) have come forward to express their distress over the selective criticism of Israel, the double standards applied, and the silence surrounding the recent massacre of Jews on October 7. The core issue at hand is the targeting of Israel solely because it is a Jewish state, a sentiment that has deeply affected the Jewish physician community within the TFOM.
Some colleagues have been accused of perpetuating antisemitic tropes, with Israel facing allegations of genocide while being targeted by Hamas, an organization openly declaring its genocidal intentions towards Jews. This situation mirrors historical antisemitic accusations against Jews, and the Jewish physicians are adamant about not letting antisemites define what is antisemitic for them.
In response to these challenges, the 555 Jewish physician faculty members have issued a public statement asserting their right to openly identify as Zionists without facing censure. They emphasize the need to define antisemitism on their terms and resist attempts by antizionists to dictate this definition.
The 555 physicians are taking a firm stand against colleagues promoting antizionism and other forms of antisemitism. They express their commitment to supporting Jewish faculty and learners who feel fear within the TFOM, refusing to back down in the face of adversity.
Furthermore, the group denounces leaders in academic medicine who issue statements contradicting equity, diversity, and inclusion for Jews. They argue that academic freedom, while important, is not absolute and should not compromise the safety and well-being of Jewish faculty and learners.
The 555 physicians call for equal consideration and protection for Jews, expecting the TFOM to extend the same rights and safeguards provided to other minority groups.
About Doctors Against Racism and Antisemitism (DARA):
Doctors Against Racism and Antisemitism (DARA) is a grassroots organization comprising healthcare professionals committed to upholding human rights in the medical and academic realms. DARA opposes academic boycotts based on nationality, race, or religion and actively monitors and responds to instances of racial or geopolitical bias in scientific journals, medical conferences, and on university campuses.