New Study Documents Systemic Anti-Palestinian Racism Against US Healthcare Providers
Anti-Palestinian Racism is pervasive and nationwide, affecting Americans regardless of ethnicity, faith and age.
[San Francisco, March 25, 2025] – The Institute for the Understanding of Anti-Palestinian Racism (IUAPR) has unveiled a landmark study that exposes the deleterious effects of anti-Palestinian racism on healthcare professionals in the United States. The latest study findings highlight anti-Palestinian racism as a pervasive and widespread issue that threatens the emotional and physical wellbeing of healthcare providers regardless of their ethnic, religious or racial background as well as the integrity of the U.S. healthcare system.
We See A Healthcare System Under Strain
The groundbreaking study revealed that Anti-Palestinian racism affects both Palestinians (27%) and non-Palestinians (73%) (majority identified as White, Black, Asian, Latine) and is distinct from Islamophobia with the majority of those affected identifying as Christians, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, or no-religion at all. The recent findings unveiled the toll this unique form of racism has taken on healthcare providers. Of the original 1200 respondents, 32% were healthcare workers and reported the following:
- 80% reported witnessing anti-Palestinian racism, either directly or online.
- 54% experienced it personally, with 73% encountering it on social media or via email.
- Within healthcare settings, 42% experienced anti-Palestinian racism from colleagues, 28% from other staff, 27% from supervisors with hiring or firing authority, and 18% from patients or their families.
- 74% reported negative mental and physical health impacts from these experiences.
How Action Can Address Racism in Healthcare
“What is so disturbing is that, in one of our most trusted spaces, healthcare, anti-Palestinian racism is so prevalent. 74% of healthcare providers reported experiencing negative health impacts from this distinct form of racism. When we don’t address it head-on, racism, rather than dignity and merit, decides who is worthy of care and who provides it. Healthcare providers need to feel supported against racism, as do their patients, and we ask administrators to urgently acknowledge and address anti-Palestinian racism.” stated Katrina Saba, MD, MS, FAAP, and IUAPR Founding Member.
To address this critical issue, IUAPR calls for immediate measures:
- Explicit Acknowledgement: Anti-Palestinian racism must be explicitly recognized in policies.
- Resource Allocation: Healthcare institutions should ensure access to mental health support for affected professionals.
- Accountability Systems: Investigations into claims of racism must be thorough and unbiased.
- Training and Advocacy: Organizations must provide training to identify and address anti-Palestinian racism effectively.
- Research and Funding: Continued study and funding are essential to raise awareness and create actionable solutions.
Let’s Heal the System
Anti-Palestinian racism is widespread, dangerous, and often overlooked. It can impact anyone. It knows no religious or age boundaries. By healing all forms of racism, including anti-Palestinian racism, we can create a more equitable healthcare system that is a stronger and more sustainable system. Americans deserve to have a compassionate healthcare environment, enabling professionals to deliver high-quality care without fear or discrimination and restoring trust to mutually benefit providers and patients.
“Racism in all of its levels and forms is ubiquitous in society, and the healthcare system is not immune. In fact, IUAPR’s national survey found that 54% of healthcare providers reported personally experiencing anti-Palestinian racism. Healthcare providers can also commit medical racism toward patients, which contributes to health disparities, poorer patient outcomes, and medical mistrust. Dismantling systems of racism in all levels and forms can improve the nation’s health outcomes, the economy, and save countless lives.”, said Adiaha Spinks-Franklin, MD, MPH, Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician.
IUAPR has shared its findings with the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health, urging global action.
About IUAPR
The Institute for the Understanding of Anti-Palestinian Racism (IUAPR) consists of researchers, physicians, psychologists, educators, lawyers, anti-racist and communication experts who are committed to empirically researching, educating and advocating on the impact of anti-Palestinian racism on individuals and communities across all sectors of society.
For further information or the full report, contact: [email protected]