ST PAUL, Minn. — Health care workers rallied at the state capitol, demanding Minnesota’s healthcare systems support the liberation of Palestine, aid its hospitals and workers, and allow employees to openly voice their opinions.
The World Health Organization says only a fraction of hospitals still function in Gaza after the bombings by Israeli military with health care workers being among those killed. Leaders of the Israeli military say that Hamas stores weapons and hosts operations at hospitals.
But Health Care Workers for Palestine says there is nothing complicated about ensuring Palestinians have access to health care and are urging their employers to take a stand.
Organizers are asking Minnesota’s healthcare systems to support the liberation of Palestine, aid their hospitals and their workers, and allow employees to openly voice their opinions.
“We have been watching a live streamed genocide directly targeting hospitals for over a year and watching hospitals be bombed,” said organizer Alycia Garubanda.
Garubanda says multiple Minnesota healthcare systems have silenced conversations about Palestine.
The group says HCMC banned a Palestinian physician from teaching more about Palestinian Health.
HCMC calls that a “false narrative” and in a statement said that “we are saddened by the notion that hosting specific people or sharing specific messages is the only valid way to stand in solidarity. Activism takes many forms and we all have the ability to contribute in ways that align with our own values."
“There's a real, I think feeling of censorship and repression. I think that a lot of healthcare workers are afraid to speak out,” said Pediatrician Aarti Bhatt. “I don't think that's political. I think people do need access to health care to live healthy lives.”
Health Care Workers for Palestine also says a webinar from PrairieCare’s DEI Clinical Consultant was taken down. The group says the webinar mentioned Palestinian mental health, along with the needs of other BIPOC communities.
Prairie CARE said in a statement that the presentation was never banned and as a healthcare provider it will ”support a peaceful end to the suffering in the Middle East with compassion for all those affected.”
The Jewish Community Relations Council said it longs to see peace between Israel and its Palestinian neighbors.
“This peace can be achieved as soon as Hamas, the genocidal terrorist government of Gaza, surrenders and returns the estimated 100 hostages,” the statement read.
Maryam, who asked to not use her last name, is a nurse, student and Palestinian.
“Everything that we've ever known, friends, family, everyone's being, like, bombed and massacred,” said Maryam. “No Palestinian has a chance to even grieve that.”
Maryam said the oath that health care workers take goes against staying silent.
“What I'm calling for is for them to stand by their oath that they swore to and advocate for the injustice that is happening in the world,” she said.