Thousands of medical professionals from coast to coast have announced the formation of the American Jewish Medical Association (AJMA). This non-political, non-profit organization, born in the wake of the October 7th terror attacks in Israel and a rise in antisemitic acts at medical facilities and schools across the United States, aims to create a safe, enriching community with a unified voice for Jewish healthcare professionals and trainees. AJMA is dedicated to addressing the issues that affect its members and society, including the increasing incidents of antisemitism and anti-Zionism impacting the workplace and patient care. The Association provides opportunities for members to engage with Jewish colleagues worldwide, stand with Israel, and celebrate Jewish identity.
The AJMA stands as the sole nationwide organization in the U.S. representing Jewish physicians, medical students, nurses, and other health professionals. It envisions a world where medicine is practiced with excellence and compassion, respecting the dignity of all people. Over the past decade, the Jewish community has experienced a sharp increase in antisemitic rhetoric and behavior, a trend that has unfortunately permeated the medical field. Medicine, traditionally a profession dedicated to healing, has become a target for hatred, manifesting in patient care, hostile work environments, and alarming shifts in medical schools.
Examples of antisemitic acts include a virtual event titled “Medical Genocide in Gaza” hosted by a New York hospital featuring speakers on a terror-watch list, faculty members at a California medical school using derogatory terms to describe Jewish students, and vandalism with antisemitic slogans on medical buildings. Additionally, incidents such as a lecturer asking students to kneel and chant “free Palestine” in a mandatory class, and medical professionals denying the sexual assaults of victims from the October 7th terror attacks in Israel, highlight the pervasive nature of this issue.
Dr. Yael Halaas, Founder and President of the AJMA, stated, “Day and night, medical students and professionals are reaching out to me with stories of antisemitism and intimidation. I teamed up with my colleagues to form AJMA because enough is enough: medical care should never be politicized, medical care should always be free from hate, and we must never stay quiet.” Michelle Stravitz, Executive Director of AJMA, emphasized the organization’s rapid growth and dedication to ensuring quality care for all patients, whether in private practice, hospitals, or academic settings.
Cary Schwartzbach, Treasurer of AJMA, shared his personal connection as the son of a Holocaust survivor, stressing the need for unity in denouncing hatred and antisemitism in medical facilities. Nir Hoftman, MD, recounted his own experiences of being targeted for his Jewish and Zionist beliefs, expressing his hope for a united medical community to stop the violence and hate. Larisa Geskin, a professor at Columbia Medical School, spoke of her shock and disbelief at the antisemitism she has faced on campus, underscoring her refusal to stay silent and the urgent need for action.
The AJMA aims to create a supportive environment for Jewish healthcare professionals while advocating for the principles of compassion and excellence in medicine, standing against the rising tide of antisemitism in the medical field.