‘No place for antisemitism in NHS,’ says health secretary after Jewish News investigation
Wes Streeting demands action following catalogue of offensive remarks by workers
Wes Streeting has demanded that the NHS takes action after Jewish News and the online account @GnasherJew exposed a torrent of antisemitism from health workers since 7 October 2023.
The comments by the health secretary come after JN’s story cataloguing a series of incidents that caused deep concern among the Jewish community and medical professionals, including:
• A doctor at Northwick Park Hospital being removed for posting antisemitic comments online
• A UK doctor urging Gazans to ‘fight and die in dignity’ after 7 October terror attack
• The temporary suspension by NHS England of Harrow GP Dr Wahid Shaida, who led the UK branch of now banned Islamist terror group Hizb ut-Tahrir
• Dr Asif Munaf, a former contestant on The Apprentice, being suspended by the General Medical Council following a series of vile and offensive remarks about Israel, Zionists, Hindus and women.
Wes Streeting said: “There’s no place for antisemitism in our NHS. It is right that action has been taken against some individuals revealed by the Jewish News and we would expect NHSE and the GMC to take action against anyone working in the NHS who promotes hatred against Jewish people.”
On Wednesday, Kingston Hospital in south London said it had “taken action” after a post from Daniel Nava Rodrigues, revealed by X (formerly Twitter) account @GnasherJew, stated that he hopes “every IDF soldier shoots him/herself in the mouth”.
Posted on Twitter/X on 23 October, the pathologist, who previously worked at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead, also wrote: “Dead and/or suffering Israelis are the only thing that brightens the day lately.”
The General Medical Council has told Jewish News it will “investigate serious concerns that suggest patient safety or the public’s confidence in doctors may be at risk”.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
