UPDATE: A senior paediatrician in London, Dr. Ellen Kriesels, is facing a disciplinary tribunal after the General Medical Council (GMC) referred her over controversial social media posts supporting Hamas. The tribunal, scheduled for November 14, 2023, will determine her future practice rights.
Dr. Kriesels, a consultant at the Whittington Hospital, has sparked outrage with her online remarks, where she dismissed the suffering of Jewish communities and labeled Hamas as “oppressed resistance fighters.” Her statements have raised alarms about medical professionals expressing extremist views.
In a series of posts, Kriesels claimed that “Jewish supremacy is the ideology at the root of all this evil,” criticizing both observant and secular Jews. Her rhetoric has drawn condemnation from various quarters, including the NHS and local communities, igniting a debate on the responsibilities of healthcare professionals.
In August, she controversially remarked on the October 7 events, saying, “Some Jews… say [October 7] was a pogrom… Always trying to frame the Jews as victims. So ridiculous.” This has led to widespread backlash, prompting the GMC’s involvement.
The Whittington NHS Health Trust confirmed that Kriesels is not currently scheduled to work and stated, “There is no place at Whittington Health for any form of discrimination.” The Trust emphasized that personal opinions expressed by employees do not reflect its views.
As the tribunal approaches, the public and medical community are watching closely. The GMC has not provided additional details on the upcoming hearing. Officials have stated that the situation is being treated with utmost seriousness.
The case raises significant questions about the intersection of personal beliefs and professional responsibilities in healthcare. With public sentiment divided, the outcome could impact not only Kriesels’ career but also broader discussions surrounding medical ethics and free speech.
As developments unfold, this remains a critical issue for the medical field and the Jewish community alike. Stay tuned for updates on this urgent matter.
