UK Doctors’ Union Drops Israel-Backed Definition of Antisemitism

The British Medical Association (BMA) has voted to drop the International Holocaust Remembrance Association (IHRA) definition of antisemitism over fears it had a “chilling” effect on free speech, including support for Palestine.

The IHRA definition regards certain criticisms of Israel – including that its existence is a racist endeavour – as antisemitic. In the UK, it has been widely adopted by the national government, policing and local authorities. 

The definition was officially adopted by Israel’s government in 2017. Doctors voted to drop it at the BMA’s annual meeting on Tuesday over fears that medics are being punished for their views on international politics.

Several doctors have faced suspension and disciplinary action over their support for Palestine. They include plastic surgeon Ghassan Abu-Sittah who was cleared of antisemitism allegations in January after writing a newspaper article for a Lebanese outlet and two posts on X that critics said showed support for Hamas. 

In a separate case, a British-Palestinian nurse was ordered to remove a background on video calls that showed a fruit bowl containing a watermelon, Middle East Eye reported. 

Tuesday’s successful motion called on the BMA to “provide urgent guidance and support to members who face disciplinary action or professional detriment for expressing legitimate political views or ethical concerns about international conflicts, including Palestine/Israel”.