Quebec Jewish doctors association alarmed at antisemitic incidents

The Association of Jewish Doctors of Quebec (AMJQ) is sounding the alarm about the antisemitic incidents faced by members of Quebec’s medical community.

Since the start of the conflict in the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7, 2023, the incidents have increased “significantly” and are set to intensify, says the association.

On Friday, the AMJQ unveiled the results of a survey of 217 of its 500 members, showing that the majority of respondents encountered antisemitic behaviour in Quebec hospitals since the outbreak of the war in the Middle East.

While 45 per cent of respondents said they had never been victims of such incidents before the conflict, only 34 per cent had, according to the survey.

The picture is even bleaker in the university environment, where 27 per cent of respondents report serious or intense antisemitic behaviour. The incidents reported included direct insults, remarks about Jewish identity and public demonstrations of support for anti-Israel movements on campus, according to the AMJQ.

“Regional and global tensions, including the conflict between Israel and the terrorist group Hamas, have exacerbated this situation,” the association said in a statement. “The repercussions of these events are being felt within our community, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty.”

In response to the rise in antisemitic incidents, 18 per cent of doctors surveyed said they were considering reducing the amount of teaching they do.

No fewer than 10 per cent said they had already taken steps to change academy or hospital.

“The results of this survey are alarming and clearly show that the climate in Quebec’s medical community is deteriorating,” said AMJQ president Dr. Lior Bibas in a news release.

“We call on the university and hospital authorities to act quickly to establish an inclusive, hate-free working environment, enabling all healthcare professionals to exercise their vocation with dignity and respect.”

The AMJQ survey was conducted using an online questionnaire among 217 members of the association, which brings together doctors, residents and medical students of the Jewish faith.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Feb. 7, 2025.