Second Jewish doctors conference encourages understanding of customs and laws in healthcare

The 18 October one-day event in Hendon welcomed doctors of all faiths and none

The Jewish Doctors Conference welcomed thirty delegates to its second conference on 18 October, hosted by the CHANA charity in Hendon.

Open to medical professionals across the UK from all faiths and none, the event followed its inaugural 2024 run in Brighton, and focused on enhancing community understanding and connections in the medical profession, with discussions around Jewish customs and laws relating to issues in managing fertility.

Speakers covered Jewish customs and laws, addressing issues relating to U.K. healthcare settings, including growing antisemitism in healthcare and safeguarding children and adults.

Contributing experts and clinicians included Dayan Ivan Binstock from the London Bet Din, Rabbi Yehuda Finchas, head of Torat Habayit Medical Halacha Institute, Jewish Care, CHANA and Campaign Against Antisemitism.

Non-Jewish colleagues shared some of their experiences of racism in healthcare and debated constructive ways to tackle hate against Jews in the sector, including enforcing the Equality Act and anti-racism rules, to include banning the displaying of extremist political symbols and slogans, and associated hate speech.

There was also discussion regarding the eventual adoption of the IHRA definition of anti-semitism in UK healthcare in order to combat hate against Jews and Israelis.

Dr Sharon Raymond, who leads the initiative, said: “The goal is to address equality, diversity and inclusion for Jewish patients, and to improve inter- community understanding.”

Jewish News understands that The General Medical Council were invited to attend but declined to respond.