Jewish health workers concerned

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Recent motions at the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) Victorian Branch’s annual Delegates Conference have sparked concern among Jewish healthcare workers.

The conference debated more than 40 motions, including two directly related to the Israel-Gaza conflict.

One called on ANMF to join the boycott, divestment and sanction campaign against Israel did not pass.

The other, calling on the union to lobby the Australian Government to cut ties and place sanctions on Israel, was withdrawn and a vote did not occur.

Other motions about peace being union business, equal treatment of Palestinian refugees in Australia and a call for all asylum seekers to have access to Medicare and mental health support regardless of visa status were passed.

The union said it’s position hasn’t changed, they condemn both the 7 October Hamas attack on the Israeli people, and what it calls Israel’s ongoing attacks on the Palestinian people in Gaza.

Dr. Jack Green, President of the Australian Jewish Medical Federation, said “The union’s mission is to advocate for the rights and interests of nurses and midwives in Australia, not to take sides in international conflicts”.

He questioned the appropriateness of the union weighing in on such a highly sensitive and complex overseas issue.

Green also believes there are inconsistencies with the ANMF’s own diversity and inclusion policies.

“Statements, social media posts, and motions presented at the Delegates Conference demonstrate a selective outrage towards one minority over the other, creating a bias against Israeli and Jewish healthcare workers and patients,” he said.

Green said there has been a significant resurgence of antisemitic activity in Victoria this year, citing examples such as vandalism of Jewish schools and increased fear among Jewish healthcare workers, many of whom no longer wear anything identifying them as Jews to work.

ANMF Victorian Branch Secretary Lisa Fitzpatrick responded to concerns about workplace safety for Jewish staff, stating, “If our Jewish ANMF members are experiencing discrimination, bullying or harassment at work and they advise us, we’re encouraging them to make a member assistance inquiry for advice, support and representation.”

Fitzpatrick also sought to reassure the Jewish community about the quality of care they would receive, saying, “These are challenging times, and we can’t and won’t tell people how to feel. We reassure the Jewish community that our members by the very nature of their professions provide safe nursing and midwifery care to all.”

However, Green remains concerned about the union’s approach.

He wants the ANMF to reconsider its approach and ensure that all members feel respected and represented.