The National Health Service (NHS) has committed to a zero-tolerance policy on antisemitism following allegations of antisemitic abuse targeting both staff and patients. The claims emerged from a recent investigation highlighting disturbing incidents within NHS facilities across England.

Saul Freeman, a cancer patient at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, recounted an incident in April during surgery in which a surgeon allegedly made offensive comments linking Jewish people to violence against children. Freeman said the surgeon remarked that Jews shoot children “in the head or the legs” for “their own amusement” and referenced ongoing conflict in Gaza, suggesting Jews should “know better” given their history in Europe. Freeman said he felt vulnerable and anxious during the procedure, especially as he wore a Star of David necklace. The trust confirmed it is reviewing the allegations seriously and treating the matter with urgency.

In a separate incident, Shelley Lipman, a registered nurse in Cambridge, reported that a colleague made a Nazi salute after learning of her Jewish heritage. Lipman told investigators the healthcare assistant first inquired about a Hebrew tattoo she has and then proceeded to perform the Nazi gesture near a patient’s bedside. When confronted, the colleague allegedly admitted the gesture was intentional. Lipman continues to work alongside the individual.

The Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) described these episodes as indicative of deep-seated antisemitism within the NHS. Stephen Silverman, the CAA’s director of investigations, said the examples reveal a pervasive problem undermining Jewish staff and patients’ trust in the healthcare system, forcing many to conceal their identity to avoid mistreatment.

NHS England acknowledged that antisemitism and racism persist within its workforce and patient interactions, emphasizing a firm stance against harassment, discrimination, and violence. The organization called on local NHS bodies to enforce strict measures, including police involvement and criminal charges where warranted.

Political leaders also weighed in, with Shadow Health Secretary Damian Hinds condemning antisemitism in all forms and settings. Earlier this year, the Department of Health and Social Care agreed to implement an independent review conducted by Lord Mann, who characterized the widespread feeling of ostracism among Jewish NHS staff as “profoundly depressing.”

These developments underscore ongoing concerns about discrimination affecting Jewish individuals within the NHS and signal increased efforts to address and eradicate antisemitism from the healthcare environment.