Nearly one third of Ontario’s Jewish doctors are considering leaving Canada due to antisemitism, new survey finds

The CJN Daily with Ellin Bessner

Targeted by official complaints to their professional bodies. Doxxed on social media. Harassed for their pro-Israel views. Getting negative reviews from antisemitic or anti-Israel medical students. Being asked where their horns are. Having to hide their Jewish identities. These are just some of the hundreds of stories shared by Canadian Jewish doctors and doctors-in-training as part of a new survey on antisemitism in this country’s health system since Oct. 7. The survey was conducted this fall by the new Jewish Medical Association of Ontario (JMAO). The findings were released two weeks ago during a media conference at the Ontario Legislature in Toronto. JMAO officials say they were expecting the results to be bad, but were stunned to discover antisemitism was even worse, as they read the feedback from nearly 500 Jewish doctors who sent in detailed examples of how they have been impacted personally and professionally. The incidents happen both in the corridors of the hospitals they work in, but mostly in the university medical schools where they teach. In fact, the authors of the study say, their colleagues are quitting the classroom altogether, or retiring early, and over 30 per cent report they are considering leaving Ontario altogether. On today’s episode of The CJN Daily, host Ellin Bessner delves into the study’s findings and hears the personal experiences from the quartet of doctors behind the new survey: JMAO president Dr. Lisa Salomon, chair Dr. Ayelet Kuper, and members Dr. Barry Pakes and Dr. Karen Devon.

Related links

• Learn more about the Jewish Medical Association of Ontario’s study and official launch.
• Read the Canadian Jewish doctors’ submission to Parliament about antisemitism in the medical system.
• Read more on the Feb. 2024 pro-Palestinian protest outside Mount Sinai hospital in Toronto, in The CJN.

Credits

• Host and writer: Ellin Bessner (@ebessner)
• Production team: Zachary Kauffman (producer), Michael Fraiman (executive producer)
• Music: Dov Beck-Levine

Support our show

• Subscribe to The CJN newsletter
• Donate to The CJN (+ get a charitable tax receipt)
• Subscribe to The CJN Daily (Not sure how? Click here)