We told the NHS that Watermelons are not antisemitic
JVL Introduction
Things are getting, frankly, bizarre. A British Palestinian nurse was “ordered to remove a background on his video calls that showed a fruit bowl containing a watermelon because it could be perceived as antisemitic”. The Guardian has reported that he has now launched legal action against his employers and also that he is one of three medical staff members “claiming Barts Health NHS trust’s ban on staff displaying symbols perceived as politically or nationally affiliated is disproportionate and discriminatory.” Middle East Eye has also reported on this.
The watermelon has become a symbol of support to Palestinians because the colours resonate with Palestine’s flag. Indeed, the Jewish Bloc in the UK has also used the symbol – would Barts NHS Trust consider that we are antisemitic? Our letter to senior people at Bart’s highlights not only how ridiculous this is but also how dangerous it is. As we said: “As Jewish people who take pride in our faith and heritage, we reject the idea that support for Palestinian rights conflicts with Jewish identity.”
Restrictions on Expressions of Solidarity with Palestine
Dear Barts NHS
We are writing as a Jewish organisation closely linked with a number of other Jewish groups and individuals in the UK who are deeply committed to human rights, justice, and equality. As members of the Jewish community, we are dismayed and disappointed by reports that your hospital has suppressed symbolic expressions of solidarity with the Palestinian people, including the prohibition of images such as watermelons or badges that have come to represent peaceful support for justice in Palestine.
Let us be clear: a watermelon is not a threat to Jewish people, nor is a badge, a scarf, or a slogan advocating for the dignity and rights of Palestinians. These symbols are neither antisemitic nor inflammatory; they are part of a broader global tradition of non-violent resistance and solidarity.
We are concerned that equating peaceful expressions of support for Palestinians with hostility toward Jewish communities not only misrepresents the diverse views of Jews in the UK but also undermines the real and necessary fight against antisemitism. As Jewish people who take pride in our faith and heritage, we reject the idea that support for Palestinian rights conflicts with Jewish identity.
Brilliantly and cogently put. Thank you Leah and Jenny.
How absurd is this!
Thank you, deeply touched by your support, it means a lot to us.
Thank you for sending your letter to Barts. About 30 years ago i was employed as a nurse there, so felt saddened by the reaction. I havld always felt proud of having worked there, in a difficult role.
Israel is destroying the friendship it may have with many people, and it is so easy to say ‘I hate Jewish people’ after watching more violence in Gaza and the west bank, no one able to help the wounded, dying, starving (and this has been going on for a century now)
But reading your letter helped me remember that there are Jews, who care, and want common sense to prevail.
Thank you.
Beautifully put Leah and Jenny. Voice of reason. Thank you for speaking out for truth and justice. Shalom
This was a pathetic thing for Bart’s to allow itself get mixed up in, and your response is fully justified and finely expressed. But it begs the question: exactly why would a NHS hospital,be so completely paranoid about a picture?
The depths to which our British public institutions are sinking just so as not to upset those who have interests in a certain foreign nation is frightening, as well as being irrational and irresponsible.