Pro-Palestinian Group Distributes Anti-Review Pamphlets at London Hospital
Campaigners handed out leaflets at the Royal Free Hospital challenging Lord John Mann's antisemitism inquiry, a move the trust later cited as grounds for removing them from the premises.
By Marina Weber ·
Pro-Palestinian campaigners distributed leaflets at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead, London, on Saturday, November 7, to contest the findings of Lord John Mann's review of antisemitism in the National Health Service.
The group, Global Health for Palestine, targeted the review's recommendations regarding training and definitions of antisemitism. Their pamphlet rejected the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism and accused the review of being racist. The leaflet cited a reported statement by Mann that placed antisemitism above other forms of racism in severity. The group portrayed the recommended antisemitism training as a push to promote support for Israel.
The pamphlet listed specific items that the review would allegedly prevent NHS staff from displaying at work. These items included badges, jewelry, socks, lanyards, scarves, phone covers, and screensavers featuring Palestinian colors, flags, or symbols. The campaigners further claimed that the recommendations would prohibit staff from criticizing Israel or Zionism. They specifically mentioned that references to apartheid or genocide would be banned under the new guidelines.
Global Health for Palestine urged health workers and the public to oppose the review through their unions, by filing complaints with hospitals, and by signing a petition. The group argued that the NHS should treat all forms of racism as equally harmful. They alleged that hundreds of NHS employees had faced threats, bullying, or victimization for expressing solidarity with Palestine.
Lord Mann responded to the distribution of the leaflets by stating that the NHS is not a venue for extremist political campaigning. He emphasized that patients and staff are entitled to access health services without hostility. Mann warned that such material could discourage people from using the NHS and stressed that Jewish people must not face barriers to receiving care.
A spokesman for the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust said the organization sought to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all patients, visitors, and employees. The spokesman noted that campaigning was prohibited on the trust's premises. Upon learning that leaflets were being handed out, hospital security asked the campaigners to leave, and the leaflets were destroyed.
Dr. Huda Mahmoud, the chairman of Global Health for Palestine, described a ban on Palestinian symbols as cultural erasure. She questioned the consequences of delegitimizing expressions connected to identity and culture. Mahmoud characterized Palestinian culture as enduring and continuing to seek survival through a genocide.
