"Give syringes to Arab doctors?": The storm following the doctor's remarks on Channel 14 - and the harsh condemnation
The chairman of the Israel Medical Association, Prof. Zion Hagay, harshly condemned the statements of Dr. Amir Rubin on Channel 14, who questioned how medical treatment is given to Arab doctors. Hagay defined the remarks as incitement and racism. Several complaints were received by the ethics bureau.
The chairman of the Israel Medical Association, Prof. Zion Hagay, harshly condemned the statements of Dr. Amir Rubin, an orthopedic doctor who appeared on the program "Yoman Tsohorayim" on Channel 14. Dr. Rubin questioned how Israel is willing to give Arab doctors syringes, comparing the use of syringes to weapons. He later claimed that "in Arabic they speak differently than in Hebrew," and told of Arab citizens of Israel who expressed willingness to join Israel's enemies during wartime. Prof. Hagay defined the remarks as serious and dangerous, and clarified that the Israel Medical Association will not tolerate displays of incitement and racism against doctors from any sector. According to him, the statements could undermine public trust in the healthcare system. The Israel Medical Association reported that several complaints were received by the ethics bureau following Dr. Rubin's remarks, which will be examined with full seriousness. At this stage, no decision has been announced regarding his case or the opening of disciplinary proceedings.