The recent AJMA (American Jewish Medical Association) Free From Hate rally was a powerful opportunity to stand together against hate and promote a message of unity and compassion within the healthcare community. It was a day filled with impactful stories, shared experiences and a collective commitment to making healthcare a safe and inclusive space for all.
AJMA organizers of the rally deeply thank the inspiring speakers who lent their voices and passion to this vital cause: Michelle Stravitz, AJMA CEO opened the rally, setting a powerful tone. Dr. Alan Perlman, AJMA, Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM), welcomed attendees with a heartfelt message on the climate of hate and the need for action. Rabbanit Alissa Thomas-Newborn, Neshama: Association of Jewish Chaplains, shared moving stories from chaplains in the field. Moishe Wilshanski brought unity through song with the Hatikvah and national anthem. Shai Davidai and Dr. Larisa Geskin (both Columbia faculty) addressed the rising climate of antisemitism and personal experiences in medicine.
Ellen Hershkin, Hadassah past president, and Dr. Daniel Kochavi, AFMDA, spoke on the importance of multicultural patient care. Dr. Ezra Gabbay, AJMA, WCM, covered essential topics on medical ethics. Dr. Yael Halaas, AJMA founder/president, shared the state of affairs with rising antisemitism across healthcare disciplines. Dr. Ira Savetsky and Lizzie Savetsky gave powerful personal testimonies. Scott Richman of ADL and Avi Posnick of StandWithUs added their voices against antisemitism in healthcare — and anywhere.
Julie Ancis, Psych Against Antisemitism, highlighted issues of antisemitism in the mental health field. Finally, Gavy Friedson, United Hatzalah, and Rachel Heisler, Soroka Medical Center, reminded attendees of the impact of providing compassionate, multicultural care to all patients.
Together, AJMA members are stronger and more determined to ensure that hate has no place in healthcare! The organizers offer a heartfelt thank you to the incredible partners and sponsors who helped make the #NoHateInHealthcare rally a resounding success.
If you are a Jewish healthcare professional in any discipline and in any phase of training (student through retiree), join AJMA today and support this important community to ensure “Healthcare Free From Hate” at www.theajma.org
