International Med Student Org Suspends Israeli Students Over Allegations of ‘Genocide’ Denial

The International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA) last week suspended the Israeli medical students’ association for two years. The decision appears to be another disturbing example of medical institutions discriminating against Jewish students.

IFMSA is a massive organization composed of medical students’ associations from more than 100 countries, and membership provides medical students with valuable opportunities for professional advancement. In a press release addressing the issue, IFMSA cited “threats against medical students, online harassment and hate speech” allegedly perpetrated by the Israeli organization for its decision. 

But that’s not the full story. 

Israeli news outlet Ynet reported that the Israeli medical students’ organization was suspended due to accusations of “a lack of morals and humanitarian values” revolving around Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza. 

And according to Miri Shvimmer, president of the Federation of Israeli Medical Students, the suspension was also motivated by accusations of “genocide” denial and the mere presence of Israeli medical students in the Israeli military.

“The motion for suspension was presented based on allegations including: genocide denial; the fact that members of the Israeli medical students’ organization serve in the Israeli military; [and] the presence of students from Ariel University in the organization” in addition to the other allegations, Shvimmer said, characterizing the attacks as “baseless” and “libelous.”

Rather than focus on advancing its members’ medical education, IFMSA appears more concerned with punishing and disadvantaging Jewish medical students due to its hatred of Israel. This is blatantly discriminatory, unethical, and antithetical to the mission of any respectable medical institution.

“This is yet another example of pervasive antisemitism in medicine, unprecedented and founded on baseless accusations of ‘genocide’ and ‘occupation,’” said Do No Harm Senior Fellow Dr. Jared Ross.

“This injustice deprives Israeli medical students of valuable international networking opportunities. However, the harm of this suspension extends to the entire world, as Israel is an international hub for medical technology development, including artificial intelligence, pill cameras, and surgical robots.”

According to Israel Medical Association chairman Dr. Zion Hagay, the motion for suspension was brought about by the Brazilian delegation following prompting from Palestinian medical students.

IFMSA claims in its press release that it “condemns all forms of discrimination based on nationality, ethnicity, personal characteristics, religion and other factors.” 

It seems that with this decision, that is not truly the case.

Read Do No Harm Senior Fellow Dr. Jared Ross’ full statement below:

“I am shocked and disgusted by The International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA) decision to suspend Israel from membership for two years. This is yet another example of pervasive antisemitism in medicine, unprecedented and founded on baseless accusations of ‘genocide’ and ‘occupation.’ 

This injustice deprives Israeli medical students of valuable international networking opportunities, however, the harm of this suspension extends to the entire world, as Israel is an international hub for medical technology development, including artificial intelligence, pill cameras, and surgical robots.

During my visit to Israel in 2022, I witnessed firsthand as Jewish, Muslim, and Christian medical professionals in the Israeli Defense Force and Israeli National Ambulance Service worked together to save the lives of patients from all backgrounds, without regard for religion or ethnicity. Israel welcomes everyone to practice their faith with complete religious freedom, the only agenda is peace. 

I agree with the Minister of Health, Uriel Busso’s response, that this “is a political decision made without any factual basis and contrary to all moral and ethical principles, giving a boost to terrorist organizations.” I am in solidarity with Dr. Zion Hagay and the Israeli Medical Association, along with support from Germany, Italy, and Luxemburg in calling for a formal investigation of this blatant discrimination.”