The Holocaust Educational Trust has criticised the British Medical Association’s vote in favour of ditching the international definition of antisemitism across the NHS, calling it “outrageous”.
A motion was passed at the BMA annual general meeting on Tuesday urging “the government and NHS England to revoke the mandatory adoption of the IHRA definition across the NHS until proper safeguards..." are in place to help protect “free speech in healthcare settings”.
The motion expressed “grave concern” about the IHRA definition of antisemitism in the NHS, and claimed it means that NHS doctors cannot express “ethical concerns about Israel’s actions in Palestine”.
But HET slammed the move by the doctors’ union, and defended the IHRA definition.
The charity said in a statement: “It is outrageous that the BMA has voted to challenge the IHRA definition of antisemitism.
“This comes less than a month after the Government’s review into antisemitism in the NHS which exposed widespread, systemic discrimination including Jewish staff facing “routine ostracism” and Jewish patients hiding their identity or fearing access to care.”
It added: “The IHRA definition does not silence free speech or prevent criticism of Israel. What it does is draw a clear line between legitimate political debate and antisemitism. That is not censorship; it is a basic safeguard against hatred and discrimination.”
HET also hit back at the BMA, saying: “Instead of lecturing Jews on what constitutes antisemitism, the BMA should focus on restoring trust and ensuring the NHS is once again a safe and welcoming place for Jewish staff and patients alike.”
The IHRA definition states that: “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”
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